PlantFiles: Crab Claws, Hanging Lobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata

My potted lobster claw died back during the winter months in Tampa due to lack of care but actually rooted in the ground around the pot and came back the following Spring. I then dug it up and re-potted them into 2 pots and they are doing beautifully in full sun to partial shade depending on the time of day.

Despite tattered leaves from Hurricane Wilma and a Spring long drought, I resisted cutting the pitiful looking canes to the ground.

My Heliconia rostrata has rewarded me with multiple blooms on last years canes.

Things that worked for me.
1) Plant in a wind protected eastern exposure for morning sun only.
2) Fertilize frequently with a slow realease granular fertilizer.
3) Monthly fertilize with a balanced water soluable fertilizer.
4) Keep evenly moist with frequent waterings.

They are doing beautifully in Delray Beach (zone 10).Growing in partial shade and proliferating nicely. Kept very wet.

I am pleased to announce that my smaller Heliconia rostrata plants have started to flower as of the last week of May. I have tried to protect these from the coldest temps of the winter, and it seems to have worked. Note that this area had NO frost or freezing temperatures in the winter of 2003-2004, a bit unusual for us. I also have a huge clump about 8 feet in diameter and 7 feet tall that I think is this species, but it has not flowered yet. I hope for flowers this summer, if so, I will post pictures.

Heliconia Psittacorum is the smaller species of the Genus and usually stays around 2 feet tall. Mine was actually sold to me as a Heliconia rostrata (Hanging Lobster Claw) which can get 3 - 9 feet tall.
I've got my H. Psittacorum sitting on an South window in full sun which it seems to enjoy. Rhizomes, side shoots on plant grow quickly and can push the pot to it's limit in a short time period.