Lobster Claw: Care for the Tropical Cascading Bract Plant
Heliconia rostrata
Growing Heliconia rostrata: tropical plant with spectacular hanging red and yellow lobster-claw bracts. Needs warmth and humidity.
Characteristics
Heliconia rostrata, known as lobster claw, is a tropical plant spectacular for its hanging vividly coloured red and yellow bracts resembling crustacean claws. It prefers warm partial shade, rich moist soil and high ambient humidity. Tropical, in Europe grown in greenhouses or warm conservatories.
Flowering season
Practical tips
Water needs: alta — always check soil moisture before watering.
Prefers mezz'ombra: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.
Recommended soil: ricco drenante. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.
Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.
Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.
