Caring for Heliconia: How to Grow, Fertilise & Maintain These Tropical Garden Stars

Heliconias (family Heliconiaceae) are vibrant, large-leaved flowering plants native to the tropics. Known for their lush foliage and architectural blooms, they are often called “lobster claws” or “false bird of paradise” due to their colourful, bract-style flowers.

In Australia, heliconias thrive outdoors in the tropical and subtropical climates of Queensland and the Northern Territory. They are best suited to warm, humid environments with high rainfall—or regular irrigation and fertile, well-draining soil. With proper fertiliser and care, heliconias grow vigorously and flower repeatedly from spring to late autumn.

Popular Heliconia Varieties Grown in Australia

Heliconia psittacorum: Compact with narrow upright flowers – ideal for pots and borders
Heliconia rostrata: Iconic pendant “lobster claw” flowers, widely grown in North QLD
Heliconia bihai: Tall, bold upright species – dramatic in tropical landscapes
Heliconia caribaea × bihai hybrids: Commercially bred for garden performance and long bloom time

Heliconias grow from rhizomes (underground stems), forming dense clumps over time. Most varieties reach 1.5–3.5m in height, with some giants reaching 5m in ideal conditions. They are semi-deciduous in cooler zones but evergreen and continuously blooming in the warm north.

Best Fertiliser Schedule for Heliconias (Tropical & Subtropical Zones)

Heliconias are heavy feeders and require regular applications of balanced NPK fertiliser with added calcium and magnesium. Without consistent nutrients, you may notice weak stems, pale leaves, poor flowering, or limited clump development.

Early Season Growth (Spring – Early Summer)

Fertiliser: NPK 20-20-20 Liquid Fertiliser
Rate: 10 mL per L water, applied every 10 days
Why: Nitrogen builds leaf canopy, phosphorus promotes rhizome expansion, potassium initiates strong shoots

Mid-Season Flowering (Late Summer – Autumn)

Fertiliser: Alternate with NPK 4-18-38 + CaMg to support bloom production
Rate: 6–8 g per 10 L water, every 7–10 days
Why: High phosphorus and potassium support flowering, flower colour, and clump density
Calcium & Magnesium: Essential for cell strength and long flowering stalks

Pro tip: Feed more frequently (every 5–7 days) during peak growing months in QLD/NT. If soil is sandy or fast-draining, increase dosage slightly and mulch heavily to retain nutrients.

Heliconia Maintenance: Watering, Pruning & Controlling Spread

Watering & Moisture

Heliconias need consistent moisture to thrive—especially in warm zones like Cairns, Darwin, or Mackay
Use drip irrigation or water deeply 2–3 times per week
Mulch with sugarcane or bark to retain moisture and feed soil microbes

Pruning & Mulching

Remove old flower stalks and dead leaves at the base regularly
Thin overcrowded clumps to improve airflow and encourage new growth
Topdress with compost and NPK 20-20-20 monthly in the wet season

How to Stop Heliconias from Spreading

Heliconias spread via underground rhizomes and can become invasive if not managed
Install underground barriers (30–40 cm deep) around garden beds
Grow in large pots or raised beds for easier control
Divide clumps annually in winter or early spring before growth resumes

In tropical Queensland and NT, heliconias often grow too well. Regular division and bed edging are essential for long-term garden structure.