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Heliconia lathispatha - Lobster Claw


Heliconia lathispatha - Lobster Claw (Heliconia lathispatha - Lobster Claw)

This Heliconia was blooming in the Botanical Building in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. on Nov. 13, 2012.



Comments on this photo

 

Oh wow.........its beautiful

14 Nov, 2012

 

Milky:

Thanks! I need to get his one. I have Heliconia schiedeana and Heliconia stricta 'Jamaican Dwarf'.

I used to have Heliconia lathispatha 'Red Christmas' and 'Yelllow Christmas' but they died in the 7 year drought.

15 Nov, 2012

 

I love these! But the only one's I've ever seen growing are in a hot house! Lucky you! :o)))

15 Nov, 2012

 

Petaltracey:

We can grow several species of Heliconia outside in San Diego. They just need a lot of water.

17 Nov, 2012

 

I really must make the effort to get a smaller growing species..............

29 Nov, 2012

 

Meanie:

Did the Heliconia schiedeana seeds grow for you? I know Heliconia seeds are very difficult to germinate (from what I've read). I've only grown Heliconia species from rhizomes.

Almost any species of Heliconia you grow would stay small in a pot. Heliconia schiedeana usually only grows to about 2ft or so in a pot.

30 Nov, 2012

 

I had just one try to germinate, and that gave up the struggle! Been looking into them again lately and had some good tips.

30 Nov, 2012

 

I do have more seeds...however, your best bet is to get rhizomes or small plants. I've never seen a Heliconia grown from seed. Just remember Heliconias are super heavy feeders. This is why my dwarf Jamaican Heliconia (in a pot) has never bloomed.

30 Nov, 2012

 

Pure steer manure I believe that you said for a potting medium..............

30 Nov, 2012

 

Meanie:

Yes, almost pure steer manure. Heliconias are pigs...they need tons of fertilizer.

1 Dec, 2012



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