Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata
Hanging Lobster Claw
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Taxonomy
Family Heliconiaceae · Genus Heliconia
Description
Heliconia rostrata, the famous hanging lobster claw, is a bold tropical with cascading red-and-yellow bracts that attract hummingbirds. It loves warmth, moisture, and bright light, forming lush clumps of banana-like leaves and showy, long-lasting blooms in the warm season.
Common Names
Hanging Lobster ClawLobster Claw HeliconiaFalse Bird of ParadiseHeliconia rostrata
Context
nativeRegion
Tropical Central and South America (widely cultivated across the tropics).
usdaZones
10–12 (outdoors year-round); grow in containers and overwinter indoors in cooler zones.
companionPlants
Ginger (Alpinia, Zingiber), Banana (Musa), Bromeliads (Aechmea, Neoregelia), Canna, Cordyline, Croton (Codiaeum variegatum), Caladium, Elephant Ear (Colocasia, Alocasia)
culturalUses
Popular as a long-lasting cut flower and bold tropical landscape feature; attracts hummingbirds and adds dramatic color to garden displays and arrangements.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to bright, filtered light; at least 4–6 hours of strong light daily. Indoors, brightest window or greenhouse conditions.
WateringKeep evenly moist during active growth; do not let dry out completely. Reduce slightly in cooler months. Avoid waterlogging.
SoilRich, well-draining loam with high organic matter; slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0). Add compost and coarse material for drainage.
FertilizerHeavy feeder. Apply balanced slow‑release or 10‑10‑10 monthly in growing season, plus periodic liquid feed high in potassium for blooming.
HumidityHigh humidity (60–80%+). Mist, group plants, or use a humidifier in dry climates.
TemperatureBest at 70–90°F (21–32°C). Protect from cold; avoid below 55°F (13°C) and absolutely frost-free.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitClumping, rhizomatous perennial with upright, banana-like foliage and pendant inflorescences.
Mature SizeTypically 6–10 ft tall (1.8–3 m) and 3–6 ft wide (0.9–1.8 m) in optimal conditions.
Growth RateFast in warm, wet, fertile conditions; slower in cool or low light.
BloomingPrimarily late spring through summer; in true tropics can bloom multiple times per year. Bracts persist for weeks.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cool weather. May die back to rhizomes if exposed to cold, then resprout in warmth.
Propagation
MethodsRhizome division, Seed, Tissue culture
DifficultyEasy by division; moderate to difficult from seed (slow to establish).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer when actively growing.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove spent inflorescences and yellowing canes at the base after flowering. Thin crowded clumps to improve air flow.
RepottingFor containers, divide and up-pot every 1–2 years in spring when roots fill the pot. Use a wide, sturdy container for rhizome spread.
Pests & DiseasesSpider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips (especially indoors). Fungal leaf spots, rust, and root rot in poor drainage. Ensure airflow and avoid soggy soil.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, though ingestion of plant material may cause mild GI upset.
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