Germination of
Heliconia chartacea x platystachys
Orange Lobster Claw: Crab's Claw, Hanging Lobster Claw, Parrot Flower, Wild Plantain, False Bird-of-Paradise
Heliconia chartacea x platystachys is typically propagated by division, but it can also be grown from seed. To start, soak the seeds in water for 24-48 hours to soften the tough seed coat. After soaking, prepare a well-draining soil mixture that consists of equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss. Fill a pot with the soil mixture and sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil. Gently press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them with soil as they require light to germinate. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, such as a south-facing window or under grow lights, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a larger container filled with well-draining soil.
Some of plants may have very have specific germination requirements that may not be covered in these general instructions.
Many seeds require pre-treatment before sowing which we try to list here when we can, but this information may not be present here. Germination times and germination temperatures are to be a guide only. Many factors can DRASTICALLY affect this.
It's always a good idea to research the specific germination requirements from multiple sources for each plant before attempting to grow them from seed.