Heliconia Color – When it comes to diversity, Heliconias offers hundreds of varieties of different species. Where they are usually seen in the rainforests of tropical America (neotropics), certain species are found in the Pacific Islands west of Indonesia, too. (Their preferred climate is tropical.) Belonging to the Heliconiaceae family, these autotrophic plants are commonly called “sexy pink Heliconia.”
These are titled the “most showy” tropical flowers or better explained as bird-attracting plants – luring hummingbirds for pollination. With a Perennial lifespan, they carry distinctively shaped flowers and leaves that make them a good choice of colorful, ornamental plants in homes.
One of the most amazing facts about Heliconia is that it is also a safe haven for other living organisms, as its bracts collect water. On the one hand, it serves as a habitat for tiny aquatic life. On the other hand, the collected water mixed with sweet nectar offers butterflies something to drink.
Heliconia Color, Leaf & Bract | Everything About The Appearance
Leaf
Heliconias are known to be taller herbaceous plants growing up to 3-4 meters. They feature usually green, paddle-shaped leaves that may be highlighted with maroon or dark red in specific cases. Also, its banana-like leaves appear shredded due to the blades split into several bits. In particular types, the blades either fragment as they age or acquire a white, wax like veneer.
From the end, they come pointy and with almost (always) unequal bases. You can immediately notice one side outspreading further alongside the petiole. Apart from distinguishing Heliconia color, leaves have three distinctive styles:
- With long petioles – standing erect and mimicking the growing habit of a banana plant (“musoid”).
- With short petioles, which are comparable to a ginger plant (“zingiberoid“) growth pattern, it is more or less on a flat level.
- With short to medium petioles – blades set at a slanted angle.
Trunk
Here, Heliconia brings the characteristics of:
- Pseudostem – trunk features firmly and compactly stacked leaf sheaths.
- Distichous arrangement – all leaves grow in a single plane
- A terminal inflorescence
Bract & Flower
Among gardeners and plant enthusiasts, Heliconias are termed “lobster claws” or “parrot flowers.” Why do they owe such nicknames? Due to the beak-like “bracts.” It is another name for a unique leaf structure exhibiting enchanting shades of vibrant red, yellow, or in combination (if they are inflorescence bracts) and found at the base of a small flower. In certain cases, the occasional hues include green, orangish, purple, or rosy. Talking about their textures, they can either be smooth or fuzzy.
These long-lasting, waxy bracts are fairly large, and often overshadow the actual flower buds. Differing per the species, they can hide up to 50 flowers, fulfilling the main purpose of protecting sweet nectar while making it accessible only to specific nectar-feeding birds.
Heliconia color for flowers are usually green, yellow, or orange colored – some upright facing and some hanging gracefully. These slightly curved blooms are primarily pollinated by hermits who have long, curved enough bills to get to the flower nestled within the bracts.
Does Heliconia Have A Fruit?
Yes, this plant also bears a mature fruit classified as drupes. Its hard inner layer keeps as many as 03 true seeds (per fruit). The fleshy outer turns blue in American species and red to orange in South Pacific species upon ripening. These colorful fruits make Heliconia Color more good-looking to the birds and mammals, helping in quick and easy seed dispersal.
The flowering season can span more than a few months but doesn’t produce flowers and fruits throughout. Eventually, the flowers dry out and turn brown, rotting away to its end stage. Once the entire shoot has died, new shoots emerge from underground rhizomes.
Common Types Of Heliconia Plant
From flourishing outdoors in tropical climates to being cultivated by commercial growers, they can significantly differ in shape, height, and color. The most known species include the following:
- Parrot (Heliconia psittacorum):
Green-yellow flower bracts, a houseplant, reach 3-6 feet.
- Red palulu (Heliconia bihai):
Vibrant red or rich yellow flower bracts, tall South American species.
- ‘Sexy Pink’ (Heliconia chartacea):
Green and watermelon pink bracts are used for garden planting and in cut flower arrangements.
- Wild plantain (Heliconia caribaea)
Large yellow bracts, an outdoor landscape plant, may touch 15 feet in height.
Requirements for Ideal Growth
- Considering they prefer warm temperatures, Heliconias grow the best when kept in semi-shade or exposed to filtered sunlight. Where the plant can burn away in intense and direct sunlight, one must never place them in a cold place with a temperature below 50°F (10°C). The range for day temperature lies between 70-90°F (21-32°C) and above 60°F (15°C) at night.
- Avoid water logging while keeping the soil consistently moist for root nourishment. The best solution is to water it daily with occasional misting.
- The ideal condition must be well-drained soil or fertile loamy soil.
- Being a tropical plant, Heliconias prefer high humidity levels. In the case of a dry environment, use a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles.
Bottom Line
Often found in Central and South America, Heliconia bloom in tropical climates and subtropical gardens with higher humidity and nutrient-rich soil. They feature peculiarly shaped bracts and exotic flowers in a variety of vivid colors. Surely, it is an outstanding addition to landscape designs! Their ability to lure birds, along with their ornamental charm, make them an admirable pick for natural as well as urbane environments.
Looking for a new houseplant? You can look for gumshoe plants.
