Heliconia ‘Lady Diana’ is a tropical ornamental plant known for its striking orange bracts and lush green foliage. In warm, humid conditions it grows quickly and flowers repeatedly during the growing season.
Climate
- Best temperature: 20–35°C
- Loves high humidity (60–90%).
- Protect from temperatures below 10°C.
Sunlight
- Needs 4–6 hours of direct morning sunlight.
- In very hot areas, provide light afternoon shade.
- Too much shade results in fewer flowers.
Soil
Use a rich, well-draining mix:
- 40% garden soil
- 30% compost or well-rotted cow manure
- 20% cocopeat
- 10% river sand or perlite
The soil should stay moist but never waterlogged.
Watering
- Water whenever the top 2–3 cm of soil feels slightly dry.
- During summer: usually every 1–2 days.
- During monsoon: water only if the soil starts drying.
- Avoid standing water around the roots.
Fertilizer
Feed every 20–30 days during active growth:
- Vermicompost: 200–300 g per plant
- Bone meal: 1–2 tablespoons every 2 months
- Banana peel compost or potash-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering
- Liquid seaweed or fish emulsion once a month (optional)
Pot Size
- Start with at least a 16–18 inch pot.
- Mature plants perform best in 20–24 inch containers because they spread through rhizomes.
Flowering
- Usually flowers from late spring through autumn, especially in warm, humid climates.
- A mature rhizome generally flowers within 8–18 months, depending on growing conditions.
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