| General information |
Plants in the order of the Zingiberales do well in tropical and subtropical climates where the winters are relatively warm. In colder weather they must be cared for indoors close to a source of natural light. Outdoors, they prefer full sun to partial shade and lightly humid conditions with well drained soil. Avoid overwatering and mulch lightly if at all.
The various plant families in this order include the heliconias, gingers, bananas, costus, cannas, maranthas, calatheas, birds-of-paradise, and others found in this store. Most tropical gardens will include some combination of them.
Propagation and care of all these plants is very similar, and not difficult for homeowners. Growing these plants from seed is very slow, and commercial growers will generally grow new plants from healthy underground rhizomes. Plant growth is somewhat slow and it may be several months before flowers first appear, but plants are very sturdy and will beautify your garden for many years. Even in good soil, your plants will appreciate a regular dose of a good fertilizer. When available, select a high-potassium mix recommended for bananas. Feed generously, but in proportion to the size of your plant. |
| Planting and caring for your new plants |
What you will receive
The rhizomes or growing plants that you will receive from us are obtained from fresh and healthy plants grown in a greenhouse environment. Please have your materials available and ready before the plants arrive.
Your rhizomes or plants were propagated in a certified commercial greenhouse and are guaranteed to be free from pests and diseases. The rhizomes are shipped bare-root, and must be planted in small pots with a good quality potting mix within three days of arrival. The plants are shipped in a sterile mix composed of sphagnum moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Our shipments meet all the export regulations of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture and federal USDA. You can see our export certificate in our Credentials Page. Be sure to order a Phytosanitary Certificate when required at your location.
Initial planting
The rhizomes should not be planted very deep into the soil. Just be sure to cover the roots and the base of the rhizome just deep enough that the original stem base barely shows above the soil. The initial root growth will be very fragile, so be patient and do not disturb the roots for several months. Provide regular irrigation and plenty of sunlight. The original stem will not grow any more, but new stems will develop underground as the plant creates new rhizomes. Do not fertilize until two or three new stems are evident around the original one.
Ongoing maintenance
Plant in larger pots or outdoors after the plants are at least two feet (60 cm) high. Fertilize regularly and bring indoors in very cold weather. Cut fresh flowers by cutting all the way down to the base of the stem and then cut stem to the desired length for your flower vase. Combine heliconias, ginger, and ornamental banana flowers for spectacular floral arrangements. |
| |
| © Agriflora Tropicals 2011 |
|