DescriptionHelicornia lobster claw:These plants display oval shaped-flowers which are spirally arranged, with colours varying from red to orange and tips of the flower may show yellow colours. These are also called as FALSE BIRD-OF-PARADISE PLANTs. The leaves of the plant are like banana leaves, broad and lanceolate and the whole plant can read to a height of 2m or more when kept outdoor and less when kept indoors. HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PLANT:SOIL: A soil with acidic pH (5.0-6.5), well-draining, loamy soil.These plants prefer moist and humid soil. Avoid misting in the winter months as it can lead to fungal problems especially when kept in indoors.LIGHT:Position your plant such that it gets indirect sunlight and protection from strong sunlight in the afternoon or else it will scorch/burn the leaf/ leaf fall.They require indirect sunlight for their optimum growth. Though they can be tolerant of the full sunlight, depending on the variety of the plant.WATERING:Water the plant only when 2-2.5 inches of the top soil has dried.Watering schedules to be taken care of especially during the warmest months of the year and hence requires a more frequent waterings. Underwatering will lead to browning of leaves.Overwatering will lead to rotting of the roots. The signs of overwatering are yellowing or browning of leaves and stalks.FERTILIZING:Fertilizing throughout the growing season i.e., spring to summers (April-June), preferably every 2-4 weeks, this will boost growth of the plant and faster bloom.PRUNING:Prune the plants after the bloomed flowers have become old and faded, to enhance growth and remove the weak sections if the plant part.The spent plants (plants that have flowered) can be cut from the base of the rhizome to enhance new growth during fall or summers. PROPAGATION OF PLANT:RhizomesThese plants can be easily propagated using underground rhizomes, by dividing the new plant from the parent plant and allowing it to grow in a moist location, away from direct sunlight for its initial growth.Propagation to done preferably during spring season (March-April). ORIGINTropical forests of South AmericaCOLOURS ON PLANTRed, orangePLANT TYPETropical; OUTDOOR/INDOORSSOILAcidic (moist)LIGHT REQUIREMENTIndirect sunlight; protect from afternoon sunWATERINGWhen 2-2.5 inches of topsoil appears dry; frequent in summersFERTILIZERSFeed during mid-March or AprilPROPAGATIONRhizomesGROWING SEASONSpring to summer Quantity: A single rhizome with bare roots.
