false bird of paradise
Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture
Hardiness Zone:
8 - 10
Flowers:
Red bracts and yellow sepals Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
red,yellow,orange
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Water your false bird of paradise (Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice') once a week and make sure to saturate the roots. If the soil feels dry to the touch, add enough water until the soil is evenly moist. If the soil is soggy, don't water it. During the growing season, you can increase watering to twice a week, adding enough water to moisten the soil to a 6-inch depth. In the winter, you can cut back watering to once a month.
sunlight
The false bird of paradise (Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice') thrives best in an environment with plenty of sunlight. Ideal exposure to sunlight is at least 5 to 6 hours a day of direct sunlight. Furthermore, this type of plant prefers to be in full sun during the morning and filtered sun during the afternoon for optimum health and growth. It is best not to place this plant in full sun during the middle of the day as it may suffer from leaf burn.
pruning
False bird of paradise (Heliconia schiedeana 'Fire and Ice') should be pruned 1 to 2 times a year to keep it healthy. In spring, prune just above a branch node or bud. Cut the flower stalks down at least halfway, and deadheading will help encourage new growth. In late summer or early fall, prune any water sprouts or wayward branches so that the plant has a neat, symmetrical shape. Pruning can also be done to thin out the older foliage to allow light to reach the plant's base. Avoid cutting too many stems at once, since this can reduce the plant's vigor and flower production.
