Heliconia Relationship to Bird of Paradise and Care

Taxonomy

Heliconias are related to bird of paradise (Strelitzia) and bananas (Musaceae). All grow from underground rhizomes.

Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained.
Water: Consistent moisture.
Fertilizer: Tropical palm granular 2×/year or monthly Miracle-Gro.
Control: They spread aggressively. Thin annually by cutting to ground and dividing clumps.

Divide rhizomes in warm weather; replant sections.

Tropical Plants: 30-Year-Old Bird of Paradise Won't Bloom: Needs Cool Winter; Choosing the Right Container Size for a Growing Bird of Paradise; Eradicating Aphids on Indoor Bird of Paradise: Complete Soil and Foliage Treatment; Giant Bird of Paradise Split Planting: Root Damage Recovery; Stopping Slugs from Eating Bird of Paradise Blooms; Reliable Propagation of Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) by Division; Maintaining Heliconia (False Bird of Paradise) in Dry Conditions: Mulch, Fertilizer, and Cut-Flower Benefits; Bird of Paradise Care: To Pry or Not to Pry?; Can Bird of Paradise Regrow Roots from Basal Cuttings?; Heliconia Care: Growing Guide for Tropical Lobster Claw Flowers

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