How to Trim Heliconia
Heliconia plants are known for producing colorful leaves, or bracts. The actual flowers produced by these tropical plants can be found within the bracts themselves. There are roughly 100 separate species of heliconia plants. Generally, these plants thrive in humid and warm climates and tend to do poorly in colder environments. Heliconias should only be pruned or trimmed after actual flowering has occurred to avoid damaging the stems of the plant.
Inspect the stems of the heliconias to see if any flowering has occurred. Wait until the heliconias have fully flowered before doing any pruning or trimming.
- Heliconia plants are known for producing colorful leaves, or bracts.
- Heliconias should only be pruned or trimmed after actual flowering has occurred to avoid damaging the stems of the plant.
Use garden shears to cut any unsightly or dying flowers from the tree. The stems of the heliconia plant only flower once, so it is good practice to completely sever the stem at the base of the plant after it has flowered.
Improve the look of your heliconias by trimming the spent stems all at once rather than individually. This will improve the airflow between the stems and increase the flowering of future stems.
Heliconia Growth
Heliconia are known for their brightly colored flower bracts in hues of orange and yellow, which are often used in floral arrangements. Some, like the numerous varieties of Heliconia stricta, only grow to about 3 feet. Heliconia prefer full sun to partial shade, in sand, clay and loam soils. Because they are adapted to tropical areas and rainforests, they do not like cold temperatures. They are not known to be invasive.
- Use garden shears to cut any unsightly or dying flowers from the tree.
- Heliconia are known for their brightly colored flower bracts in hues of orange and yellow, which are often used in floral arrangements.
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Writer Bio
Jason Alexander began his professional writing career in 2003. He has worked as a staff writer at several different newspapers, including the "Eagle Times" and the "Northwoods Sporting Journal." He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from a university in New England.
