Log in

View Full Version : It's lobster claw season


Steve L
06-03-2013, 07:54 AM
This is one of my favorite heliconias to container grow. It's not too finicky and usually rewards you with blooms in the early summer. This is an especially good year as I have 10 stalks in flower or about to flower.

Steve

<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=53173><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=53172 border=0></a>

Arachnotron
06-03-2013, 11:04 AM
Do you fertilize them? I have 3 Unknowns in pots that haven't flowered yet.

Steve L
06-03-2013, 11:13 AM
Yes, once the temperatures warm up, I fertilize once a week. They are heavy feeders in warmer months. I use a water soluble balanced fertilizer. Every other week, I also fertilize with a water soluble high phosphorus fertilizer. The conventional thought is because the inflorescences are modified leaves, a "super bloom" type fertilizer should not trigger blooming but I find it helps, especially, as the plant reaches its normal bloom size. No scientific data; just observations over the years.

Steve

LilRaverBoi
06-03-2013, 11:33 PM
Beautiful! I love rostrata.

Worm_Farmer
06-04-2013, 10:39 AM
I have these flowering all over also! I feel in love with the bright red and yellow right away. Mine are not in pots so half of them are bent over and not very clusters like yours.

Steve L
06-04-2013, 11:20 AM
I wish I could grow mine in the ground. We have that one cold front that frosts them every year. I stake mine up in the pot also because they are so succeptible to wind damage.

servatusprime
06-05-2013, 12:15 PM
Wow I can't wait to get mine like that. I think all of mine in the blazing sun haven't been so happy. I moved several to partial shade and they are doing so much better. I'm really questioning if they truly can thrive in full sun at least in the south florida heat. Thanks for the fertizling tip. I'll have to try it.

Steve L
06-05-2013, 01:46 PM
Yea, the claim this plant grows in full sun might work further north but it doesn't work for me on the Gulf Coast and it sure won't work for you in south Florida. I suggest morning sun until around noon, then afternoon sun after 4:00. Also, if you are container growing, and the pot is on concrete, this will have an impact on the plant. Too much bottom heat and reflected heat will make it stressed out. In its natural habitat, it grows in the open areas of a rain forest near streams and rivers so it never gets full sun.

Steve