Heliconia bihai Banana Split
Description
Heliconia bihai 'Banana Split', commonly known as Banana Split Heliconia or Bihai Heliconia, is a stunning tropical plant known for its vibrant, banana-like bracts and lush foliage. This plant is highly valued for its striking ornamental beauty and unique floral structure, making it a popular choice in tropical and subtropical landscapes.
Flowers
The Banana Split Heliconia produces large, banana-shaped bracts that are bright yellow with green tips and red edges. These bracts surround the small, true flowers, which are hidden inside. The bracts are long-lasting and extremely eye-catching, making them a focal point in any garden.
Foliage
The leaves are large, paddle-shaped, and glossy green, resembling those of banana plants. Each leaf can reach up to 1-1.5 meters in length, creating a dramatic and lush appearance. The foliage provides a dense, tropical backdrop for the vibrant bracts.
Fruit
The fruit of the Heliconia is not typically consumed and is primarily of ornamental interest. The bracts themselves are the main attraction.
Form and Size
The Banana Split Heliconia typically grows to a height of 1.5-3 meters with a spread of 1-2 meters. It has an upright, clumping growth habit, forming dense clusters of stems topped with large leaves and bracts. The overall appearance is bold and tropical.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich, organic soil. Thrives in moist, fertile conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils.
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, some protection from direct afternoon sun is beneficial.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. High humidity levels are beneficial.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. Prefers warm, humid conditions and can tolerate light frost but may suffer damage in severe cold.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for use as a specimen plant, in group plantings, or as a backdrop in garden beds. Suitable for tropical-themed landscapes, shaded borders, and as a striking focal point.
- Ornamental: The vibrant bracts and lush foliage provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Containers: Can be grown in large containers for patios, verandas, and indoor spaces with sufficient light and humidity. Its striking appearance makes it an excellent choice for container gardening.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and spent flower bracts to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and vibrant bracts.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and fungal infections. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
The Banana Split Heliconia is a versatile and visually stunning plant that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or indoor space. Its vibrant bracts and lush foliage make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and landscape designers. It thrives in both shaded and sunny environments, making it an excellent choice for various landscape settings and indoor cultivation.
Companion Plants
- Canna spp. (Canna Lily)
- Alocasia spp. (Elephant Ear)
- Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Lacy Tree Philodendron)
- Cordyline fruticosa (Ti Plant)
Common Name
Banana Split Heliconia, Bihai Heliconia
Botanical Name
Heliconia bihai 'Banana Split'
Family
Heliconiaceae
Origin
Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, particularly the Caribbean islands
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Please note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting
