New comer in flowering plant, Heliconia had already got a place in the income generating flowering plant list. Now lot of people have already got into heliconia farming. Beautiful looking petals and long term flowering made it more affectionate. It is more popular as a landscaping plant.Heliconia have made a place in the global market too. Export market of heliconia flower has grown and more people have started cultivating heliconia plant. Large scale farming of heliconia plant is done in countries like Hawai, Netherland, Brazil etc.
Heliconia is widely used for flower arrangements and in bouquet due to its long strong petiole. There are lot of varieties available. There are small colorfull flowers popping out from the bract make heliconia unique and beautiful. It is truly a magic of nature. But its not just the flowers, Leaves of heliconia are also used by florists for flower arrangements. After flowering, the freshness would remain for almost 2 weeks and then it dries off.
Farming of heliconia plant is very simple and easy. Heliconia can grow in even shady areas, ie less sunlight . It is also very resistant to insects and other pests. Once planted, heliconia would flower for about 2 to 3 years continously by developing new shoots. Heliconia can be used alone or with other flowers while making bouquets. Heliconia is perfect for roadside or garden landscaping. It can be grown on pots or on the ground.
Varieties of Heliconia
There are around 90 species and more than 350 varieties. Some can grow from 2" inch to more than 20 inches. Heliconia are divided into 3 based on the shape of the petiole and flower.
Selecting Heliconia plant for farming commercially
Always remember to select the variety which has demand on market before you start farming commercialy. For this you should always be updated with the newest trend in flower market. Now there is a good market globally for heliconia species that grow upwards and also the droopy looking varieties. Psittacorum have not yet got into the global market demand, I think the main reason might be that it is only used to arrange the flower vase. Countries like Australia, Japan, Singapore etc import heliconia flowers. People who are interested in heliconia farming should make up more market globally. It is better to concentrate on one variety than growing different varieties at the same time.
Heliconia farming methods
Comparing to other flower plants, heliconia need only less care. Plant can be grown almost in any grounds, but most suitable is the red soil or soil with content of sand. Before planting, we should make sure that the soil is wet and partly loose. It is better to plant in soil which is a little acidic. Best climate for heliconia farming is between 20 degree to 35 degree celcius. Open grounds are more suitable for farming, but it is possible to farm with 25% sunlight too.
Heliconia is widely used for flower arrangements and in bouquet due to its long strong petiole. There are lot of varieties available. There are small colorfull flowers popping out from the bract make heliconia unique and beautiful. It is truly a magic of nature. But its not just the flowers, Leaves of heliconia are also used by florists for flower arrangements. After flowering, the freshness would remain for almost 2 weeks and then it dries off.
Farming of heliconia plant is very simple and easy. Heliconia can grow in even shady areas, ie less sunlight . It is also very resistant to insects and other pests. Once planted, heliconia would flower for about 2 to 3 years continously by developing new shoots. Heliconia can be used alone or with other flowers while making bouquets. Heliconia is perfect for roadside or garden landscaping. It can be grown on pots or on the ground.
Varieties of Heliconia
There are around 90 species and more than 350 varieties. Some can grow from 2" inch to more than 20 inches. Heliconia are divided into 3 based on the shape of the petiole and flower.
- Psittacorum
- Heliconia flowers that grow upwards
- With droopy flowers
Selecting Heliconia plant for farming commercially
Always remember to select the variety which has demand on market before you start farming commercialy. For this you should always be updated with the newest trend in flower market. Now there is a good market globally for heliconia species that grow upwards and also the droopy looking varieties. Psittacorum have not yet got into the global market demand, I think the main reason might be that it is only used to arrange the flower vase. Countries like Australia, Japan, Singapore etc import heliconia flowers. People who are interested in heliconia farming should make up more market globally. It is better to concentrate on one variety than growing different varieties at the same time.
Heliconia farming methods
Comparing to other flower plants, heliconia need only less care. Plant can be grown almost in any grounds, but most suitable is the red soil or soil with content of sand. Before planting, we should make sure that the soil is wet and partly loose. It is better to plant in soil which is a little acidic. Best climate for heliconia farming is between 20 degree to 35 degree celcius. Open grounds are more suitable for farming, but it is possible to farm with 25% sunlight too.
