1. Choosing a landing site
Heliconia is a light-loving plant, so it must be planted in well-lit areas. Heliconia also tolerates partial shade well, but in this case it will bloom less profusely.
Heliconia does not tolerate strong winds, so it must be planted in places protected from the wind.
2. Soil preparation
Heliconia prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting, it is necessary to dig the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm and add organic fertilizers (humus, compost, peat).
3. Landing
Heliconia can be planted by seeds or seedlings.
When sowing seeds, the seeds are sown in open ground in the spring, when the soil temperature reaches +10 °C. The seeding depth is 2-3 cm. The seeding rate is 20-30 seeds per 1 m².
When planting seedlings, seedlings are planted in open ground in spring or autumn. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 2-3 m from each other.
4. Heliconia care
Watering: Heliconia needs regular watering, especially in hot weather. It is necessary to water the plant abundantly, without allowing the soil to dry out.
Feeding: Heliconia needs regular feeding. It is necessary to feed the plant 2-3 times a month during the growing season. Mineral or organic fertilizers are used for fertilizing.
Weeding: Weeds must be regularly weeded so that they do not choke the plants.
Pruning: Heliconia does not require pruning, but it can be done to shape the crown of the plant. Pruning is carried out in spring or autumn.
5. Diseases and pests
Heliconia is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, in some cases, the plant may be attacked by the following pests:
- Spider mite: the pest feeds on the sap of leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Insecticides are used to control the pest.
- Aphids: the pest feeds on the sap of leaves, causing the leaves to become deformed and fall off. Insecticides are used to control the pest.
Heliconia is an ornamental plant that is used for landscaping parks, gardens and other areas.