Started Heliconia at the wrong time — lessons learned

I planted Heliconia at entirely the wrong point in the growing calendar and spent the first few months wondering what I'd done wrong. leaf browning from low humidity in centrally heated rooms didn't help matters. Once I understood maintaining temperatures above 15°C throughout the year things improved substantially.

fast growth in warm humid conditions is what makes this plant worth persisting with. In a summer patio with shelter from wind and cold nights it finally looks as good as I'd imagined. reduced watering rest period in winter redeemed the whole effort. If you're starting out: do your timing research before you plant.