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| • | Heliconia is named after Mount Helicon, the seat of the Muses, the nine goddesses of the arts and sciences in Greek mythology |
| • | The Heliconia's bracts are so large and colorful that they almost hide the flowers altogether. This keeps the flower's sweet nectar from other birds so that only specialized birds can get to it |
| • | Heliconias can actually grow to a height of 3-30 feet |
| • | Some species of Heliconia have upright facing flowers |
| • | Some heliconia flowers droop down from the main stem and are called hanging heliconia |
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Some of the commonly grown heliconia species include garden species include Heliconia Augusta, Heliconia bihai, Heliconia brasiliensis, Heliconia caribaea, Heliconia latispatha, Heliconia pendula, Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia rostrata, Heliconia schiediana, and Heliconia wagneriana
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Ideal Plant Conditions
Warmth and humidity are the general climatic conditions required for the healthy growth and development of heliconias. Their soil preference is one that drains well and that is kept fertilised with highly organic matter. It is recommended that all dead leaves and stems are removed and that mulching becomes a necessary part of the plant's life so as to retain moisture around the root system and aid in the control of weeds.
