Common name(s): Lobster claw, Hanging heliconia, false bird of paradise
Scientific name: Heliconia Rostrata
Description
Heliconias are tropical plants related to bananas, cannas, and gingers. There are about 100 different individual species, and most species then have a large number of hybrids and cultivars, with flower styles varying significantly from the original. The actual heliconia flower is fairly insignificant. What most people would call the 'flower' is actually a group of colorful specialized leaves, called bracts. The true flowers are hidden inside these bracts. Heliconia leaves look more or less like banana leaves. They are generally green, but some are tinged slightly with color (particularly when young) and sometimes the leaves and stems are colored or patterned slightly. Some foliage is wildly colored, however, particularly in Heliconia indica cultivars. Heliconias grow from an underground system of rhizomes. Rhizomes are a type of root (the ginger that you buy in the supermarket is a piece of rhizome from the common edible ginger plant). There are pictures of heliconia rhizomes below, under 'Rhizomes'.
--
plant care and instructions
The plant requires a high humidity area. It can be grown well next to a water body. Add topsoil or organic peat humus to the hole when you plant. You might also add in composted cow manure to enrich the soil around the plant's root ball. Dead leaves and old stems that have finished flowering should be removed to encourage more flowering. In spring cut back to the ground any cold damaged stalks. This plant loves to be fed. Fertilize 3 times a year with a top-quality granular fertilizer. Supplement feedings with regular applications of liquid fertilizer during warm months for heavier bloom. Regular irrigation is a must. This plant needs water and it needs it often (2 to 3 times a week in summer), though it doesn't do well in a boggy area.
Light - Full sunlight, partial shade.
Place - Garden, balcony, terrace
Water - Allow the soil to dry out up to the top 2 inches before watering again.
Fertilizer - This plant loves to be fed. Fertilize 3 times a year with a top-quality granular fertilizer.
Temperature - The plant requires a hot atmosphere.
Special Features
The Rhizome of heliconia rostrata is used for jaundice, high blood pressure, and intestinal pain. The leaves and seeds of Heliconia rostrata are used as a tonic, and for treating headaches, sprains, and pain. The Rhizome of heliconia rostrata is used for jaundice, high blood pressure, and intestinal pain.
More Info 
