I have started some heliconias only to have one of the seedlings emerge white. I have never seen this before in a seedling. Well I have never actually grown heliconias before but I image that this is not normal. Does anyone have any ideas.
Heliconia seedling
I am sorry that I can't help you with that, but I am curious-what kind (s) of heliconia seeds did you germinate and how long did it take to germinate? Any idea how long it would take to get to a decent size from seed?
I started a few but the one in question is h. curtispatha. I seeded it on 1/6/07 and it emerged today. I dont know enough about heliconias to answer your questions. I am a newbie here sorry. I do not expect to have a blooming size plant for a few years, if i can keep it alive that long :( I hope someone will chime in and help you.
Thanks for the answer-its very helpful-tells me that these germinate extremely fast ( a lot faster than I would have thought) and that because they have germ so fast- that I bet that they will grow faster than you think! As a rule-helis grow very fast. Good luck with the growing! I can say that good bottom heat, a good draining soil ( or soiless mix) and as much light as you can give it, with moderate amts of liquid fert until it gets bigger will speed up the process.
Keep us posted on the progress!
jw I started many kinds of heliconias from seed this year, most germinated within a month or two.They should look like little heliconias, green.If the plant just came up it could be lack of light while emerging.should turn green shortly.Germinating heliconias work best if the tray is warm during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night. the temp difference really does help to break dormancy better than a constant temp.Be very careful with your watering.too wet and the seedlings will die.
Kyle-what kind of night time temps did you have yours at?
about 70F nights, 80F daytime.
Thanks for the advice. To update: I now have more albino seedlings. I removed two from the growing medium to check to see if they really were heliconias ( I sometimes am forgetful and disorganized :) and the seeds are heliconia. The original seedlings discussed have not greened up. I have moved them into stronger light. It seems like every seedling this season is a new experience. I wish I could find a picture or some information on heliconia seedlings. I may not be using the correct search terms. I will hit my library today for some answers. I wonder if there is a seedling ident database. Sorry for the rambling to much coffee this morning.
Try givng them a little food with Nitrogen high number which is first number. Or a fish food drink , kelp meal ( most can be bought anywhere Lowes, HD, Gardens Alive .com ) drink ! More light with this should help them green right up !