problem with my heliconias, need help

18 years ago

i planted several different heliconias in the ground here in sw florida and this year i have two where the new leaves are coming out very pale green, too pale to look normal. has anyone else had this problem. i have used a slow release fertilizer.

any suggestions would be appreciated. i would hate to loose these plants.

thanks

fern

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Comments (4)

garyfla_gw
18 years ago
Hi
I find heliconia sort of languish during winter.When it becomes hot and humid they thrive. Don't seem to be particularly cold sensitive just seem to hang on,
When the rainy season starts they explode lol
gary
gaza
18 years ago
in my experience,cold seems to be the reason.
the leaf just takes to long to emerge,and seems to lose vigour
i have had the same problem,it seems that,if a particular shoot is just putting out a new leaf,and then the weather turns cool,this is what happens,but,on the same plant,where the shoot was a little more advanced,all was fine.
hang on in there,i am sure you will find the plant recovers
these are such fabulous plants[of which i have a BIG addiction to]
all efforts,are worth it
gary
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epicure3
18 years ago
Also depends on what variety of heliconia you are growing. I grow probably the hardiest variety heliconia schiedeana which is natuve to the highlands of Mexico. They have not languished at all at my home this winter and have continuously put out new foliage. The flowers, while certainly not as beautiful as most, are still quite spectacular.
Bill
18 years ago
Fern,

Heliconias rarely look good here in Sw Florida when coming out of winter. The pale leaf thing is common and no matter what the cause, I believe fertilizer helps. Heliconias are heavy feeders, and if you have the standard SW Florida soil like me, I think you will want to add more items. Our soil is lacking not only in the major nutrients, but many of the minors and trace elements. In addition to slow release fertilizer, I would use a liquid on occasion ( Miracle Grow ), and also products that contain Manganese, Magnesium, and Iron. A nutritional spray for palms should help and contain these itmes. Good luck

Bill