The small, hanging yellow flower clusters stay around for weeks when in bloom.

You are limited to growing lobster claw outdoors in the sultry southern states or greenhouses.

They prefer a partial shade position and moist, fertile soil.

It is possible togrow heliconia indoors, but its tricky.

Soil

Fertile, well-drained, moist soil is key to allowing yourHeliconia rostratato thrive.

Amending with some compost or otherorganic matteris beneficial, especially if your soil is sandy.

This species prefers an acid or neutral soil.

Plants grown in soils with pH levels above 6.5 can be prone to iron deficiencies.

Water

Heliconia rostratais not adrought-tolerant plant.

When there isnt enough rainfall in the growing season, water this plant regularly.

Reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out more in the winter.

If there is a rare light frost in your warm southern region, yourHeliconia rostratashould survive.

Although the stems will die back to the ground, the roots will produce new shoots the following season.

Prolonged freezes mean death.

This tropical beautys tall, spectacular stems also need protection from strong winds in a suitably sheltered position.

Coastal locations are not ideal as these plants are not salt tolerant.

Fertilizer

Heliconia rostratais a fast-growing species that appreciates regular feeding during the growing season.

Pick a high-quality, slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer.

This is especially helpful if you are growing your plant in a container.

Dont fertilize yourHeliconia rostratain the winter.

Pruning

Once flowering is over, cutting back the stems on yourHeliconia rostratais helpful.

This encourages new sucker growth for the following season.

Other than that, simply remove any damaged or dying foliage.

And be prepared to divide and repot this plant regularly.

Learn more about the flowers of theHeliconia rostratato make the most out of them.

However, they mostly bloom between late spring and late fall.

How Long Does Heliconia Rostrata Bloom?

Each cluster of drooping bracts and blooms on yourHeliconia rostratacan last for several weeks.

The tall stems are popular, long-lasting additions tocut flower arrangements.

They can last around two weeks in a vase.

What Do Heliconia Rostrata Flowers Look Like?

The large hanging bracts of theHeliconia rostrataare vivid scarlet-red and have yellow and green edging.

Their appearance is where heliconia rostrata gets its common names: lobsters claw or bird of paradise.

The small, yellow, drooping flowers sit within these bracts.

The blooms usually appear on stems after two years.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Warmth and humidity are key to ensuring healthy flowering in yourHeliconia rostrata.

Keep the plant consistently moist and well-fed during the growing season, too.

Cutting the flowering stems back after the end of the bloom season can encourage prolific flowering the following season.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Heliconia rostrataisnt usually bothered by serious pest and disease problems.

Spider mites and sometimesthripsandmealybugscan bother the plant in the summer months.

Washing off with water or using aninsecticidal soapcan be enough.

Tattered Leaves

Strong winds can cause the large leaves of theHeliconia rostratato become tattered along the veins.

To avoid this unsightly occurrence, transplant your plant to a more sheltered spot in your yard.

Leaves Turning Yellow

Heliconia rostratagrown in alkaline soil can become iron deficient.

A sign of this problem can be curling andyellowing leaves.Test your soilif you need clarification on pH levels.

Letting the soil dry out too much can also turn leaves yellowensure the soil remains evenly moist.

Too much direct sunlight can also scorch the leaves in the hottest states.

Heliconia rostratais a species native to tropical South America.

That means it grows best in the warmest USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.

The ideal place to plantHeliconia rostratais one where this large, fast-growing, clump-forming species has room to spread.

Ideally, it should be a sheltered, partial shade spot with fertile, evenly moist soil.

If you want to avoid excessive spreading, keep these plants in containers or plant them within well-defined edging.

Heliconia rostratadont just bring an exotic flair to your yard; they are alsoplants that attract hummingbirdsand other pollinators.

The flowers in the long, tubular bracts make it easy for the hummingbirds to reach the rich nectar.

Heliconia Rostrata.Oxford Universiry Plants 400