How often should you water heliconia? The answer isn't so simple

Hi Carol: I read your article on heliconia. I have a giant planter outside with many of these gorgeous flowers and two small planters with two or three each. Can you tell me the frequency of watering suggested for each?

— Omar, via email

A: Planters in or around the house are very much a Florida thing. I grew up in a home where planters filled with philodendrons separated the living room from the Florida room. In those ancient days, we had no air conditioning, and the breeze cooled the house through massive windows. I believe the plants helped cool and condition the air. However, the day one of the planters started leaking caused much stress and was the beginning of their removal.

Tropical heliconia is a nice choice for filling planters where there is plenty of bright light. Their love of and need for regular watering can be an issue if a water source is not close by and easy to provide.

How often any particular plant should be watered is one gardeners and horticulturists run from because there is no short, simple answer. If anyone tells you to water three times per week or anything other than the seemingly dismissive, “When the plant needs it,” view that recommendation with skepticism. How much and how often any plant needs water is a combination of plant species and health, location, soil and other sources of water, such as rain.

Heliconias in planters are essentially in containers. They prefer moist, rich soils that drain very well. Any planter or container should have ample drainage, but, for heliconia — which wants water often — it is critical; heliconia do not do well in standing water.

Irrigating planters or containers is not something that can be done by the calendar. Best practices include applying water until it runs out the bottom. Don’t water again until the plants need it; this may be the next day or several days later.

For plants that prefer evenly moist soil, check the wetness of the soil with your finger before adding water again. Feel the soil several inches deep; if it is dry, then water. Once the plant roots fill the container, the soil will dry out quickly, and water may have to be added more often.

One of the best ways to irrigate moisture-loving plants such as heliconia, in containers or in the ground, is a low-volume or drip irrigation system. These can provide plenty of water, often without waste and overirrigating the rest of the landscape.

Carol Cloud Bailey is a landscape counselor and horticulturist. Send questions to carol@yard-doc.com or visit www.yard-doc.com for more information.