How do you care for a heliconia plant?

Question

I recently bought a fairly large (about 3 ft tall) heliconia plant as a memorial plant after losing my dog. I've re-potted it properly and am watering it daily. It has three open blooms on it right now and there are four new heads that will be opening in the next few days, I expect.

My question is, do I need to trim off the blooms or stems in order for it to keep producing new ones? Or do I just leave it be, and when the blooms die, allow them to fall off? I don't exactly have a green thumb, but taking care of my new plant has been very theraputic for me since my dogs passing and I want to ensure that this heliconia survives a long time.

TIA!

Answer 1

There is information on heliconia cultivation after the beautiful pictures. Sorry to hear about your dog. I hope this link helps.

http://www.orchidsasia.com/heliconias.ht...

Answer 2

Dead leaves and stems should always be removed. Spent stems should be cut after flowering to maintain the neatness of the colony. Chop the stems as close to the ground as possible. The remaining stumps can be removed by pulling them out of the ground once they have dried up completely. Should the colony produce too many leaves obstructing view of the inflorescences, leaves can be removed from strategic positions so as to show off the Heliconia flowers. :)