Care of the indoor plant Heliconia bihai or Macaw flower |
The genus Heliconia, family Musaceae, includes 100 species of tropical plants native to Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela and India. Some species are: Heliconia bihai, Heliconia metallica, Heliconia latispatha, Heliconia rostrata, Heliconia schiedeana. Common names: Red palulu, Macaw flower, Balisier. This species is native to South America. They are perennial plants with large leathery leaves (up to 2 meters in length) of bright green color. The curious flowers appear in groups of 8 and are usually red or red and yellow. They bloom from late winter to late fall. They are long-lived plants that can live 20 years and reach 4 meters in height. They are used as indoor or greenhouse plants; outdoors they need a tropical climate (hot and humid). They are also widely used as cut flowers (they are cut when open): they can last almost 2 months. Heliconia bihai needs a light exposure but without receiving direct sunlight. The average temperature should be 18-30 ºC. The soil must be sandy and contain organic matter. Planting is done at the end of winter. Water frequently so that the substrate is always damp (never water). They need a high humidity; spray the leaves from time to time with water without lime. Fertilize once a year with manure in winter and in spring with mineral fertilizer every 15 days. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases; they are sensitive to drought and cold. They propagate from seeds or by division of the plant. |
Images of the indoor plant Heliconia bihai or Macaw flower |