Re: The effects of winter in south Florida
 

Even this place doesn't have anything on PH levels..
Exotic Tropical Plants - Heliconia Information - how to grow, pruning heliconias, growing styles, planting instructions, popular species

Re: The effects of winter in south Florida
 

I think for heliconias, you just need to find someone who has sucess. I haven't seen a great guide book on the internet like you would for bananas.

Re: The effects of winter in south Florida
 

From the book, "Heliconia, An Identification Guide" by Fred Berry and W. John Kress, "....a pH of 5.5 is recommended for the medium."

There are not a lot of people growing heliconia outside of south Florida so there is a limited number of folks with experience. A few heliconia are grown in California but the ones you're growing won't grow in CA period, except Rostrata. In Florida, if you can successfully grow bananas in your landscape, then you can grow heliconia. Just duplicate, to the best of your ability, the soil and sun conditions for the heliconia that you are giving to your bananas. They are families in the same order and like very similar growing conditions.

Steve

Re: The effects of winter in south Florida
 

Here is what my eBay lady said

Here is an article Fertilizer Urea
it greens up plants fast we use it as a foliar spray as it greens up the plants and helps protect from cold pests etc by making the leaves greener thicker and stronger Where are you located in Fl?
here is one brand SprayGro - Liquid Foliar Fertilizers

Re: The effects of winter in south Florida
 

I have found some info that suggests that heliconias prefer slightly acidic soil. But like all tropicals they like a lot of organic matter and well draining soil. So, if you keep mulching with composted manure that is basically like solving both problems. The compost is acidic (depends on the source, but will tend be at least slightly acidic) and will slowly bring the pH of the soil down to a more acidic level. Win win :0517: I haven't had that issue with heliconias though, mine have grown in sun or shade as long as the manure keeps getting piled on. I have a lot more issues with white bird of paradise... just seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

Re: The effects of winter in south Florida
 

I'm a big fan of composted chicken manure.

Steve

Re: The effects of winter in south Florida
 

For all those people holding their breath waiting to hear about my pH, (ya I know). It looks like my soil ranges from 6.8-7.3 or so. It looks like I need some acidity. Once I get that going.....:woohoonaner:

Anyone know of colocasia varieties that shrug off the cold? My Hawaiian eye doesn't seem to mind the cold but my big dippers pretty much all died back.