OT What should I do?

15 years ago

I have really been depressed lately, and have spent many hours, just looking at plants on line. I fell in love with a plant called heliconia, so I ordered 4 diffrent rhizomes, the rostrata, jacquinii, rauliniana, and kawauchi. I thought they would just do great at the coast. Now I find out that I will have to bring them in for the winter. Does anyone have any knowledge on how to take care of these. I posted on the tropical plant forum, but now I am scared to even try to grow them. They are from Puerto Rico, and cannot take our 32 degree freezing.

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Comments (6)

jroot
15 years ago
It is a really attractive plant, honeybunny2. When I first saw it, I thought it was bird of paradise, but it is different.

I think I would pot it, and bring it in for the winter, just like I do my variegated brug. I don't believe they get as big as the brugs, so you wouldn't need as large a pot. Just find a spot inside where there is good light. They may not do much for you inside, but that is okay. They are just having a rest. It might even go dormant. That is the fun of gardening. We are always experimenting. I was told that I couldn't make my oleander go semi dormant, by keeping it in a dark room for 5 months. It seems to love it, putting out a good show shortly after bringing her outside. Without experimenting, I would never have known. When you plant your heliconia out next year, it should do fine. What have you got to lose. You've ordered the plants. So you do your best to keep them alive. You know for sure, being hardy only to zone 10, that they won't survive your winter, so try your best to keep it indoors. Hopefully your home won't get as hot and dry as ours do up here in Canada for the winter.
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sandysseeds007
15 years ago
Hi there, I'm not sure if the link will work but if it doesn't use the 2 words below in Google, well that's my fav seach engine anyway. You'll find it's pretty much what John says and a few other little details you might want to know.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-ca&q=heliconia+overwintering&btnG=Search

heliconia overwintering

I hope they do the job to cheer you up some -Sandy
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fool4flowers
15 years ago
Barbra, you may be able to cover them since you don't get freezed that often at the coast if plant them in a sheltered location. Wishing you the best.
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chena
15 years ago
Barbara.. They don't go dormant like alot of our others.. They need to being growing yr round.. You got some beauties.. I have a few and I love them.. Other than bringing them in they are not much effort at all..Put on a great show as well.. I'll be thinking about you if you need anything just let me know.. I'll be here...I hope you feel better!!!
Kylie
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sultry_jasmine_nights (Florida-9a-ish)
15 years ago
I used to grow a few diff kinds on the LA coast. It was a 9b there. They were the red and yellow christmas heliconias. I kept a dwarf rostrata in a pot as well and just moved it in during the winter. I kept it fairly dry during winter but in bright light.
Someone who lives in Lake Charles, LA grows rostrata in the ground, so maybe it is possible where you live. Some types may be more tender than others tho.
I have some new ones here but they are gonna stay in pots because I am in a 9a now. You could sink the pots and then dig them up again come fall. One other option would be to put them in the ground inside a greenhouse-they would prob go crazy!
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napdognewfie
15 years ago
Barbra, If you decide they're not for you, you can always wait until cooler weather & trade them to someone in a warmer place or someone who wants to fool with them all winter. Or keep them & get more lights...or a greenhouse :-)

Linda
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OT What should I do?

Comments (6)

jroot

sandysseeds007

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