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VIRIAR
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Striking tropical plant with vibrant, colorful inflorescences and exotic appeal
Heliconia latispatha, commonly known as the Broad-Spathed Heliconia, is a striking tropical plant native to Central and South America. Renowned for its unique and vibrant inflorescences, this species adds an exotic flair to gardens and landscapes. Its showy, colorful bracts and bold foliage make it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens.
The Broad-Spathed Heliconia typically grows between 1.5-3 meters (5-10 feet) in height, with a similar spread. It features large, lance-shaped leaves that are glossy and green, providing a lush backdrop for its flamboyant flower structures. The inflorescences of Heliconia latispatha are distinctive, with broad, boat-shaped bracts that come in a range of colors including red, orange, and yellow. These bracts are often arranged in a dramatic, upright display, creating a striking contrast against the green foliage.
Optimal Light: Heliconia latispatha thrives in bright, indirect light to partial shade. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, it generally prefers some protection from the harsh afternoon sun in hotter regions to prevent leaf burn.
Optimal Range: This plant prefers warm, tropical to subtropical climates with temperatures ranging from 20-30 °C (68-86 °F). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F). It is best suited for USDA zones 9-11.
Ideal Soil: The Broad-Spathed Heliconia prefers well-draining, fertile soils rich in organic matter. It can adapt to a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and even clay soils, as long as they provide good drainage and are slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
Watering Schedule: Regular watering is crucial, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Increase watering during hot, dry periods and reduce it during the winter months when growth slows down.
Location: Choose a location with bright, indirect light or partial shade. For container planting, use a large pot with excellent drainage and a well-draining, rich potting mix. If planting in the ground, ensure the site has well-draining soil and enough space for the plant's growth.
Feeding Schedule: Feed Heliconia latispatha with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for tropical plants. Apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and vibrant flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Care Requirements: Prune off any dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks to maintain the plant's appearance and encourage new growth. The plant is relatively low-maintenance but should be monitored for pests such as aphids or spider mites and for fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Soak the seeds of Heliconia latispatha in warm water for 24-48 hours to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates significantly.
Sow the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Plant the seeds about 1-2 cm (0.5-1 inch) deep and cover lightly with soil for optimal germination.
Optimal Conditions: Place the seed tray in a warm, humid environment with temperatures around 25-30 °C (77-86 °F). Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light. Germination can be slow and may take several weeks to a few months.
Once seedlings emerge, provide them with bright, indirect light and gradually acclimate them to more direct light. Transplant seedlings into larger pots or directly into the garden when they are large enough to handle.
Premier Provider of Exceptional Exotic and Rare Seeds Worldwide
Specializing in authentic, carefully curated germplasm selected with meticulous precision and unwavering commitment to quality excellence.
Bringing tropical paradise to gardens across 190+ countries
At VIRIAR, we specialize in delivering premium tropical plants, exotic palms, and rare seeds from our nursery in Topoľníky, Slovakia to plant enthusiasts worldwide. Every shipment is carefully packaged with phytosanitary certificates and expert care instructions to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive.
We've perfected the art of shipping live tropical plants internationally. Each plant is bare-rooted, wrapped in protective materials, and shipped with moisture-retaining packaging. Our plants are quarantine-certified and come with all necessary documentation for customs clearance.
Real-time tracking from our nursery in Slovakia to your doorstep anywhere in the world
Professional bare-root prep, moisture control, protective wrapping for long journeys.
Official EU certificates and health inspections for international transport.
Track plants from nursery to doorstep with real-time updates.
Weather monitoring and insulated packaging for temperature protection.
Detailed planting instructions and aftercare tips included.
100% alive arrival promise or free replacement.