Heliconia Rostrata is a beautiful flowering shrub that can rise up to great heights. The tree is also known as the Hanging Lobster Claw or False Bird of Paradise locally. They are native to El Salvador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. Additionally, the species has been and naturalized in Puerto Rico and South Asia. This perennial plant comes from the family of heliconias that has over 50 different species. However, the prime difference between other varieties is that the flowers in Heliconia Rostrata are in downward positions.
See also: How to grow Hydrangea?
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See also: All about Heliconia Psittacorum
Heliconia Rostrata have a long body and tend to become bushy. They have broad and long leaves that rose from the ground. Flowers on Heliconia Rostrata hang from the base of the leaves and have a bright red color. These plants also act as host flowers to
hummingbirds. The flowers bloom in a trailing line with each petal appearing on the other side of the main flower stem. The tips of the petals are colored a bright yellow. Heliconia Rostrata is a very common tropical plant that is kept by gardeners.
Heliconia Rostrata: Key facts
| Name | Heliconias Rostrata |
| Common name | The hanging lobster claw, False bird of paradise, patujú. |
| Type | Perennial plant |
| Origin | El Salvador, Perú, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Ecuador |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Flowers | Flame red with yellow tips |
| Soil | Any type |
| Temperature | 15-30°C |
| Sunlight | Part shade to Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
Heliconia Rostrata: Genus
This plant belongs to the Heliconia genus, which comprises nearly 200 species of flowering plants in tropical America as well as certain islands in the western Pacific. This genus belongs to the monotypic family Heliconiaceae.
Heliconia Rostrata: Native habitat
Heliconia Rostrata plants are native to El Salvador, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Venezuela, and Ecuador. Additionally, the species has been and naturalised in Puerto Rico and South Asia.
Heliconia Rostrata: Sun tolerance
Heliconia Rostrata grows well in full sun but prefers a spot with partial shade when grown in hotter climates. All in all, even during hotter days, it can tolerate full sun.
Heliconia Rostrata: Mature height
When fully mature, Heliconia Rostrata can grow up to 4-6 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide.
Heliconia Rostrata: Leaves
The leaves of Heliconia Rostrata are large and leathery and can grow up to 4 feet in length. Attached to long petioles, these leaves directly grow from the plant’s rhizomatous rootstock.
Heliconia Rostrata: Leaf colour
The large, leathery leaves of Heliconia Rostrata are dark green in colour.
Heliconia Rostrata: Cold tolerance
Heliconia Rostrata are tropical plants that cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Temperatures below 50° F send these plants into dormancy until temperatures rise up and stay consistently warm.
Heliconia Rostrata: Self-pruning characteristic
Usually, Heliconia Rostrata does not need much pruning as it shapes itself and the leaves are long fronds, so trimming them is not desirable. When you do remove a leaf, make sure to remove it completely. If your Heliconia Rostrata has many leaves obstructing the view of flowers, entirely remove the obstructing leaves.
Heliconia Rostrata: Growth rate
Heliconia Rostrata is a fast-growing plant that can gain a full height of up to six feet in a few months. However, the growth rate can vary greatly based on the soil type, temperature, sunlight, and other factors.
Heliconia Rostrata: Fruit
The flowers of Heliconia Rostrata are followed by fleshy round fruits that come in dark blue fruits.
Heliconia Rostrata: Care tips
Heliconia Rostrata is a plant that is rather easy to grow. They are naturally found in many countries around the world and grow in abundance even without much care. These plants are more or less hardy and won’t require a lot of care like many other flooring plants. If you are planning to have a Heliconia Rostrata tree at home, here are some care tips to help you grow them.
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Heliconia Rostrata: Soil requirements
Heliconia Rostrata can be grown in a variety of soils. If you are making a potting mix, you need to use normal garden soil, fine wood mulch, and peat moss. Make sure the potting mix is draining well so that there is no water logging around the roots. If the soil is too clayey, the roots will rot due to water damage. You can also plant Heliconia Rostrata directly in the soil for best results.
Heliconia Rostrata: Water requirements
Watering Heliconia Rostrata is an absolute essential. The plant loves to grow in moist soil so you need to water them at least every other day. Avoid over watering if the topsoil has not dried up yet. You can also water Heliconia Rostrata less frequently during the rain and winter months.
Heliconia Rostrata: Sunlight requirements
Heliconia Rostrata needs full sunlight for best growth. However, if you live in extremely hot weather, you can plant them in partial shade. Heliconia Rostrata thrive well in plenty and moderate sunlight so placing them against the sun won’t be an issue at all.
Heliconia Rostrata: Benefits
Heliconia Rostrata is mostly grown as an ornamental plant. Their rich hues make it a great collection among tropical plants and adds glamour to gardens. However, Heliconia Rostrata also comes with several health benefits that make it even more valuable for people. Extracts from the plant have been used in folk medicine to cure illnesses like hypertension, infection, and jaundice.
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Here are some of the top known health benefits of Heliconia rostrata:-
Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
Heliconia Rostrata is said to have antimicrobial properties that can help cure a variety of illnesses. It helps maintain gynaecological health by inhibiting yeast infection. Additionally, Heliconia Rostrata can help fight against disease causing bacteria and avoid infections in the system.
Anti Ophidic property
The anti ophidic property of Heliconia Rostrata makes it an excellent cure for jaundice. The rhizome of the plant is used to treat the disease and patients have experienced decreasing symptoms after a few days.
Regulates blood pressure
According to folk medicine, Heliconia Rostrata can be consumed to balance blood pressure levels in the body. It has the ability to stabilise blood pressure levels and cure problems like hypertension. This, in turn, helps in keeping the heart healthy in the long run.
Relieves pain and ache
The anti-inflammatory properties of Heliconia Rostrata can be extremely beneficial in relieving pain and aches in the body. When applied topically, medicines made using the plant extracts will do wonders on swelling and inflammation. The antibacterial property of the plant also helps in bringing down infection and provides relief from pain.
FAQs
How do you take care of a Heliconia Rostrata?
Taking care of Heliconia Rostrata is super easy. You simply need to use a well drained potting mix and water them every other day for best growth.
Is Heliconia Rostrata poisonous?
No Heliconia Rostrata is not a poisonous plant. Parts of it are edible and are used to make medicines.
Do Heliconias like the sun?
Yes, Heliconias usually prefer full sun. However, some varieties grow much better in semi-shade. They more or less survive in both conditions.
