05-10-2007, 04:36 PM
There are many many varieties of Heliconia and their relatives (ginger, banana, etc.) Some are small some are huge (we have one that is 12" tall, another that is 20' tall). Some are invasive, some are almost impossible to keep alive. Some prefer full sun, some full shade. So...a lot depends on what you have.
I belive Vireya is an epiphite (as are orchids) which means they don't especially like soil. I grow mine in straight cinder with a topping of "dump mulch" under the Ohia trees. I have heard that you can grow them on trees but I have not tried. If you take the time to trim them they will be bushier. I don't bother and seem to get plenty of flowers at frequent intervals (more than once a year.)
If you leave the flowers on until they are fully open they will last longer than if you cut them sooner.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com
Edited by - Jerry on 05/10/2007 20:37:03
I belive Vireya is an epiphite (as are orchids) which means they don't especially like soil. I grow mine in straight cinder with a topping of "dump mulch" under the Ohia trees. I have heard that you can grow them on trees but I have not tried. If you take the time to trim them they will be bushier. I don't bother and seem to get plenty of flowers at frequent intervals (more than once a year.)
If you leave the flowers on until they are fully open they will last longer than if you cut them sooner.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com
Edited by - Jerry on 05/10/2007 20:37:03