Heliconia
Heliconia, often called lobster claw or false bird-of-paradise, is a boldly architectural tropical whose waxy, boat-shaped bracts zig-zag up a tall stem in vivid red, orange and yellow. Native to the tropical Americas, it brings instant drama, scale and a sculptural line to large-scale and tropical designs. Its thick stems and long vase life make it a workhorse for installations, tall arrangements and event work. Few flowers deliver the same tropical impact from a single stem.
| Family | Heliconiaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tropical Americas |
| Peak season | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 60–120 cm |
| Vase life | 10–18 days |
| Colors | red, orange, yellow, pink, green |
| Price tier | mid |
Recut the thick stem on a sharp angle and use a deep, clean vase, as heliconia drinks heavily. Rinse the bracts under running water to flush out debris and any insects. Keep it warm and never store below 12C, since it is chill-sensitive and blackens with cold damage. Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it clear.
- •Recut the thick stem on a sharp angle
- •Use a deep, clean vase — stems drink heavily
- •Rinse the bracts to flush out debris and insects
- •Keep warm; never store below 12C
- •Change the water every 2-3 days
