Lobster claw plants are tropical
flowers that astound and amaze with their forms and colors. The scientifically
name is Heliconia rostrata and they have large, brightly hued bracts that
cluster up a stem. The Lobster claw plants are also called parrot flower and they
has inconsequential tiny flowers covered by the showy bracts. Lobster claw plants
are native to Central to South America and they are hardy in the United States
in USDA plant growing zones ten to thirteen. Continue reading to learn more
about Lobster claw plants info, care and growing tips.
Lobster Claw Plants Info
Lobster claw plants are a group of
plants that may grow up to fifteen feet tall in nature but likely only to three
to six feet in a home landscape. The Lobster claw plants are not at all frost
hardy, and therefore not suited for growing outdoors where cold temperatures
are common. The thick bracts really make excellent cut flowers with a long vase
life. The leaves are also glossy, green, oval, and paddle shaped. The plant
grows in an upright habit with the flower stems in the center. The flower
bracts are arranged in terminal racemes, which may be held erect or pendulant. The
Lobster claw plants may be found in red, orange, or yellow, usually tipped with
a bright gold splash. The flowers do not appear until the plant is about 2 years
old.
There are actually 3 main species of lobster
claw: which are the giant, the hanging or the mall lobster claw. The Lobster
claw plants grow and propagate from underground rhizomes, which can be easily broken
apart and used to start a new plant.
Lobster Claw Plants Growing
Conditions
This plant actually thrives in either
partial shade or full sun locations. The soil must be well draining, and also fertile
and moist. The potted Lobster claw plants will do well in a mixture of equal
parts soil, fine wood mulch and peat moss. Slightly acidic soil is actually the
best. The Lobster claw plants grown in alkaline soil may exhibit iron
deficiency in the form of yellowing to white leaves. Lobster claw plants are
moderately drought tolerant but best results will ensue with consistent
moisture. Ideal Lobster claw plants growing conditions are humid and warm,
similar to a tropical rainforest. The plant can thrive in sunny indoor
conditions provided an adequate humidity is supplied.
Lobster Claw Plants Care
This plant is actually a perennial
that will arise every year from the rhizomes. The new stems will develop after
the old plant has flowered, creating a continuous display of the flowers over
the years. Keep in mind that freezing temperatures can damage or kill the
rhizomes. The plants actually need fertilizing in spring for best flowering and
again every 2 months until fall. You can cut back spent flowers and leaves as
they occur. If you want more of the Lobster claw plants in your garden, you can
dig up the rhizome, and then cut behind recent growth. Dig out the growth and
cut the stem back to about one foot. Wash the rhizome very well and then plant
it in a small pot with the eye near the surface of the soil. Make sure you keep
the pot in shade and moderately moist until the first sprout. Then move the
plant to protected sun and then care for the new Lobster claw plant as usual.
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