Heliconia Psittacorum (Heliconiaceae)

Heliconia psittacorum

'Andromeda'

Grows to 1.5m high, favors well drained rich soils, full sun to part shade, flowers during summer.


Common Names:
Parakeetflower
Heliconia Parakeetflower
Parrot's Beak
Parrot's Flower
Parrot's Plant
Parrot's Tonque
Popokaytongo

Heliconia psittacorum ‘Andromeda’ is one of the most popular types of Heliconia, probably due to the fact that it is one of the easiest plan. It is an exotic plant, which blooms abundantly all year long. ‘Andromeda’grows up to 1.5 meters tall, with bright red/orange flowering bracts. The flowers make beautiful cut flowers which can last up to 3-4 weeks in water and will stay fresh on the stem even longer. Best when planted in large groups.

Planting instructions

• Please plant as soon as possible after you receive the rhizome.
• The rhizome should still have growing ‘buds’ or new shoots as well as the leaf stem.
• The rhizome should be planted with the top (leaf stem/new shoots/buds pointing upwards) no more than 3-4 cm under the soil. New Shoots or larger buds should be above the soil. You can often look at the rhizome and see where the soil line had been while it was growing.
• It is very important not to plant the rhizome too deep, as this will invite fungi and cause root rot. Freshly planted rhizomes need oxygen to grow new roots and will die if the planting medium is too dense or too wet.
• After planting, water thoroughly, and then do not water again until soil is getting dry. Keep evenly moist, but not wet, when shoots to grow and leaves start to unfold.
• If planted in pots, these should be of sufficient size - at least 10 to 15 cm wider than rhizome size. Keep the pots in a warm, sunny place.
• When leaves start to unfold the plants can be planted out - again in well-drained soil.