Heliconia bihai ‘Big Bug’
Scientific name: Heliconia bihai ‘Big Bug’
Distribution: Central and South America
Flowers (inflorescence): The inflorescence of Heliconia bihai ‘Big Bug’ features vibrant red bracts with yellow edges. Each spike, which can be between 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches) long, is formed by 5-12 alternate, distichous bracts. The bracts are coriaceous and create cavities that hold water, attracting birds and insects. The tubular flowers enclosed within these bracts are white at the base and pale green at the apex, blooming in succession.
Foliage: The leaves are large, banana-like, ovate–lanceolate with a pointed apex and prominent central nervation. They can grow up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) long and 40 cm (15.7 inches) broad. The foliage is intense green, forming a pseudo-stem that ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 meters (1.6 to 4.9 feet) in length.
Mature height: This cultivar can reach heights between 2.5 to 4 meters (8.2 to 13.1 feet), forming dense, upright clumps.
Soil: rich organic and well drained without standing water.
Light: full sun to 30% shade.
Watering: love water, but let them dry a bit between waterings
Hardiness: not lower than 15°C (60°F)
$7.00
You save
Heliconia rhizomes
Heliconia bihai ‘Big Bug’ is a stunning tropical plant celebrated for its striking red bracts with yellow edges. These bracts form an erect, terminal spike that can grow up to 60 cm (24 inches) long, providing a colorful focal point in any garden. The bracts house small tubular flowers that bloom in succession, offering a continuous display of beauty.
This evergreen herbaceous species has large, intense green leaves, which can reach up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length, forming an impressive pseudo-stem. ‘Big Bug’ grows in dense clumps, reaching heights of 2.5 to 4 meters (8.2 to 13.1 feet), making it an excellent choice for adding height and lush greenery to garden landscapes.
Heliconia bihai ‘Big Bug’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Regular watering and fertilization during the growing season will help maintain its lush appearance. This variety is relatively resistant to pests and diseases but should be monitored for signs of fungal leaf spots or root rot due to overwatering.
Ideal for tropical and subtropical climates, ‘Big Bug’ can also be grown in large containers in cooler regions, provided it is brought indoors during the winter months. Its long-lasting cut inflorescences make it a favorite for floral arrangements, adding a touch of exotic beauty that lasts.
Bring a burst of tropical color to your garden with Heliconia bihai ‘Big Bug’, a plant that promises to be a showstopper with its vibrant bracts and lush foliage.
We ship them as rhizomes, treated and packed according to phytosanitary requirements.
Heliconia Planting and Care
Firstly, when planting Heliconia rhizomes, whether in the garden or in pots/containers, it’s essential to provide the best possible conditions for growth.
Timing
Specifically, in the garden, plant in the spring or early summer when soil temperatures are above 65°F (18°C).
Location
Garden: Consequently, choose a spot with partial to full sunlight (4-6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal).
Pots/Containers: Similarly, select a location on your patio or balcony that meets the same sunlight requirements.
Soil
Garden: Moreover, amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure to create a rich, well-draining environment. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
Pots/Containers: Furthermore, use a high-quality potting mix designed for tropical plants, ensuring it has good drainage.
Planting
Plant rhizomes horizontally with growth points facing up, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) below the soil surface.
Garden: Space rhizomes about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) apart.
Pots/Containers: In addition, choose a pot that is at least 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter and the same in depth to accommodate the plant’s growth.
Watering
Initially, water thoroughly after planting, then maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Garden: Consider drip irrigation for consistent moisture.
Pots/Containers: Ensure pots have drainage holes and saucers to prevent excess water retention.
Mulching
Apply a 2 to 3 inch (5 to 7.5 cm) layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the stem to prevent rot.
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), or a 14-14-14 if slow-release. Apply according to the product’s instructions.
Cold Protection
Garden: Protect from cold with frost cloths if temperatures drop below 65°F (18°C).
Pots/Containers: Move indoors or to a sheltered area during colder temperatures.
Repotting (for pots/containers):
Finally, repot every couple of years to refresh the soil and provide more room for growth. When repotting, move up to a pot that is 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) larger in diameter.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll help ensure that your Heliconia rhizomes have the best start, whether they’re in the ground or in containers. Remember to adjust care slightly based on your specific environment and the needs of your particular Heliconia variety.
Terms & Conditions
- ePackage: Thai Royal Mail + your national postal service. Available for orders under 4.4lbs (2kg). Normally it takes 10-14 days;
- EMS: Expedited shipping. It takes also 10-14 days;
- Dragon Courier: Covered with our Live Arrival Guarantee. Dragon Courier ships out of Thailand and do the custom clearing, which makes it passing quicker through the customs. Then they hand it over to DHL or UPS for domestic delivery. The package is always stored in the room temperatures even winter time. Shipments take 5-6 working days for Europe and Canada, and 5-8 days for the USA. This option includes all possible import taxes and custom fees for all destinations, including EU countries. When using other shipping options to the EU, customs may contact the receiver to pay import taxes or custom fees.
Conditions to be met to apply our Live Arrival Guarantee:
- Correct address and contact details of recipient - We should have been provided with correct address and contact details including cell number and email. The shipment must be sent to the correct delivery address, and not forwarded to another address. P.O.Box is not acceptable as the shipping address.
- First delivery attempt - The shipment must be received on the first delivery attempt, or be picked up the day of the first delivery attempt. If you miss the delivery and the package is delayed a day or more because of it, we will not accept responsibility for any losses. It is your responsibility to check the tracking number for delivery, even if courier does not leave a "pink slip" notifying you they tried to deliver the package.
- Clear photo provided within 24 hours – You need to send us a clear picture or video of the full plant in issue with its name, explaining what’s going on within 24 hours upon receipt.
- Package was shipped by Dragon Courier – In case you choose postal E-package, eCommerce Express or EMS, you accept the risk and no compensation will be issued.
We do not accept any returns.
Apple Pay is available on iOS devices.
Google Pay or Microsoft Pay is available, if activated on your browser.
You will get the tracking info once the order is shipped.
USA: There is a limit of 12 plants you can import without having importer permit issued to you by USDA. If your order is more than 12 plants, please email us your importer permit after ordering. If you don't have one you can get it here. On the top of that page you will see a drop-down named “Ready to Apply?” and “Select an option”. Select there option “PPQ-587” and proceed with the application. It is easy and free online procedure. You don't need the importer permit for orders up to 12 plants.
Canada: You can choose Dragon Courier as the shipping option for any number of plants, and no importer permit is needed. They have their own agent in Canada who will take your order through customs using their own importer permit. For other shipping options, you must obtain an importer permit here and email it to us after ordering.
EU countries: Import regulations for plants coming from outside of the EU are too complicated for private individuals to manage. Therefore, Dragon Courier is the only shipping option we offer to all EU countries. It involves sending all EU orders to their agent in Amsterdam. The agent processes them through customs, pays all fees and taxes, and then hands them over to UPS, DHL, or DPD for final delivery within the EU. This is a pricier option, but it covers all payments, and you don't need to do anything on your side.
Other countries For other shipped countries no importer permit is needed for any amount of plants.
- Disinfect the plant 2 days before shipping;
- Remove soil on day of shipment;
- Clean roots with water until ALL soil is removed;
- Spray 0.03% imidacloprid over plants and dry 30 min;
- OR dip roots for 3 minutes in fungicide and Confidor solution (get sucked up by the plant);
- After that we place all in drying room for 45 min;
- Then we add sterile sphagnum to the roots and wrap this in plastic bag;
- We wrap roots in plastic bag and wrap plant in special designed, clean paper for export, and pack;
- We use new, never used card board boxes, that are tested and approved by ALL Global airfreight standards and ISO requirements.
Specification: Heliconia bihai ‘Big Bug’
| Weight | 0.661387 lbs |
|---|
There are no reviews yet.