Quick Christmas Heliconia Facts:
Botanical name: Heliconia angusta
Height: 24-48 in. (61-122 cm.)
Spread: 3-6 ft. (1-1.8 m.)
Sun exposure: Bright, indirect light
Soil requirements: Well-draining
Hardiness zones: USDA Zones 10-11
When to plant: Spring, fall
Heliconia angusta plants can be found growing within the landscape throughout USDA zones 10-11. Those living outside of these regions can also enjoy the plant, keeping potted specimens indoors. Though garden-grown heliconia benefits from consistency in terms of weather, those who keep it as a houseplant generally praise its ease of care. Below, we’ll learn more about how to grow Heliconia angusta, including the plant’s specific needs throughout periods of active growth and in winter.
Caring for Heliconia Angusta
Heliconia angusta are more commonly referred to as Christmas heliconia. As their namesake would imply, you can expect plants to begin blooming in winter, just in time for the holiday season. Houseplants are especially attractive throughout winter, blooming well indoors. Those grown in the garden will also spring into life at this time, provided they have been planted in an ideal location. This includes shaded beds and those which receive dappled light throughout the majority of the day. Warm temperatures and humidity will further aid in the production of flowers.
Lighting Conditions
If you’re growing heliconia for the first time, you’ll want to put it where it’s able to receive bright, indirect light. Though plants grown outdoors will be able to tolerate some direct sun, houseplants may require more specialized care. Indoors, this can be achieved by positioning containers near to a window, making certain to avoid direct exposure.
Temperature & Humidity
Make sure your heliconia is kept consistently warm, above 60 F (15 C). This will help to promote growth and prevent plants from becoming stressed. High humidity, at approximately 60-80%, will also be essential to plant health. Routine misting or the use of water trays with containers may be especially useful.
Watering Needs
Routine irrigation will be needed to maintain moisture. This is especially true throughout the hottest parts of the year, and for potted plants, which will dry much more quickly. You should water your heliconia on a weekly basis, or more often if needed. The use of drip irrigation or soaker hoses have proven most useful in outdoor beds.
Fertilizing
Heliconia plants are considered heavy feeders. This means that routing fertilization will be key in keeping both landscape and container plants healthy. A quality, well-balanced feed can be used early in the growing season, promoting the growth of foliage and establishment of a strong root system. Subsequent feedings can consist of fast-acting fertilizers, such as those rich in potassium.
Soil & Compost
Heliconia will perform best when planted in a rich, nutrient-dense soil. This can be achieved through the use of finished compost and other amendments at planting time. Worm castings, bone meal, and other additions can also be made to containers as a means to improve performance.
How and Where to Plant Christmas Heliconia
Those hoping to grow Christmas heliconia most commonly do so by purchasing transplants. Though the species may be difficult to find locally, it can often be acquired through specialty online stores. Among the most common heliconia plants varieties are: Heliconia angusta ‘Red Holiday,’ Heliconia angusta ‘Red Christmas,’ and Heliconia angusta ‘Yellow Christmas.’
Trimming and Deadheading Heliconia Angusta
Heliconia plants don’t need much maintenance. You can trim the plant as a means to maintain the desired size and shape. Trimming in this manner will help to promote growth, keep plants looking tidy, and may even help to prevent disease. Deadheading may also be beneficial, with the removal of spent stems after each flower has faded.
Problems, Pests, & Diseases
Christmas heliconia rarely suffers from problems related to insects or disease. Though few pests frequent the plant, monitoring can help to prevent damage. Keep an eye out for signs of infection, as well. Common issues affecting heliconia include leaf curl, brown spot, and several other fungal diseases.
Propagation
Heliconia angusta is most frequently propagated through division. This ensures that each new plant will grow true-to-type and closely resemble that which was divided. This process is best completed when conditions are both warm and humid. Each plant is lifted carefully from soil, with gardeners then removing excess dirt. Each rhizome can be cut apart in the creation of new plants. Divisions should be returned to beds immediately, or potted into their own individual containers.
Overwintering
For those living outside the plant’s hardiness range, bringing containers indoors remains among the most dependable ways in which heliconia can be overwintered. This most commonly occurs in late summer or early fall, just as temperatures begin to cool. Place your plants near an east- or south-facing window, where they’ll receive ample indirect light. Garden grown specimens may also benefit from protection in the form of mulching and other season-extending techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Heliconia Attract Hummingbirds?
Heliconia plants are ideal for use in hummingbird gardens. In fact, it is one of few flowers that is solely pollinated by the bird. This makes attracting hummers with their bright flowers of special importance to the plant’s survival.
Which Heliconia is the Easiest to Grow?
Most heliconia species are considered easy to grow. This includes Heliconia angusta. Close examination of conditions in your garden can help you better determine which type may perform best in their region.
Do Heliconia Plants Spread?
Where conditions are ideal, heliconia plants may spread to form dense clumps. This occurs over the course of several seasons, and is generally not considered aggressive. Those hoping to multiply plants or control its spread can divide the clumps, as needed.
