Highly sought after for its unusual and colorful inflorescences, Hanging Lobster Claw has pendulous blooms of striking red and yellow bracts that often reach 3’ in length. When grown in a pot, it starts blooming once the plant reaches 4-5’ tall and the amazing inflorescences will appear one after another creating a spectacular show for the gardener to enjoy. Grow in full to partial sun in fertile, well-draining soil that's slightly acidic. We saw this heliconia blooming in all its glory at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on the Big Island. What a spectacular sight! When grown directly in the ground, Heliconia rostrata can reach upwards of 10-15’ tall.
Water a lobster claw frequently, especially during hot weather, to keep the soil moist. Add 2 inches of mulch around the base of the plant to help the soil retain moisture. Compost works well as a mulch and will also help make the soil rich and fertile, which is ideal for growing lobster claw.
They are best suited in full-sun in more northern areas and part-sun in the south. They won’t bloom without enough sun, which is easy enough to remedy by keeping them in a pot and moving it around until finding the perfect spot. Indoors, keep the Heliconia in the brightest and warmest place available.
Fertilize lobster claw once a month from spring until fall when the plant is actively growing. Use an all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, applying an amount as indicated on the label. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the base and water it in afterward. If you get fertilizer on the foliage, rinse it off with your garden hose.
Prune nearby trees and shrubs if necessary to provide lobster claw with a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day. Ideally, it should have some light shade in the afternoon to protect it from the sun during the hottest part of the day.
The Lobster-Claw dislikes cold conditions, and anything under 50 degrees is too chilly. It’s equally important to keep your plant in a sheltered location out of the way of strong winds or violent downpour.
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