Heliconia latispatha distans originates in Central America. This is the one for a pot, as it does not grow too tall. It is a small Heliconia, reaching about 3-4 feet in height. Can be grown as houseplant or greenhouse specimen. This short variety produces 4 to 7 colorful upright bracts "lobster claw". It has spiral red bracts fading into a yellow base, which fades into a green rachis. The inflorescenes are upright and are usually produced above the leaves and grow about 12 to 20" high. The flowers are yellow with a green tip. Very attractive with broad Banana type leathery leaves. The foliage has a maroon stripe down the underside and along the edge. The Heliconia's bracts are so large and colorful that they almost hide the flowers altogether, which are tiny and are found inside these bracts. Will bloom in a pot. But to flower in its second or third year you would need to keep the plant warm enough during Winter to prevent the top growth dying back to the rhizomes. The plant would regenerate itself the next Spring, because the tuber would have survived. Blooms from May through August. If in reasonable conditions, it blooms all year. Hardiness zones 9-11, (5øC/40øF,-5øC/25øF) in Winter. Heliconia latispatha seems to be rather tolerant to cool weather and grow well in Subtropical conditions and has some cold tolerance. In general, Heliconias are evergreen in the tropics and warm subtropics, like zone 10. Further north, upper zone 9 and lower zone 8, they may be frozen back to the ground each Winter but survive to resprout the next year. Recommended temperature 25øC. Provide warmth and high humidity. Can take full sun and semi shade. Needs rich soil containing peat moss, organic matter and coarse sand, and regular fertilizer. Use palm tree fertilizer and plant in well drained soil. It is really thirsty, water freely during growing months and moderately in Winter. Keep soil evenly moist, but do not overwater making the soil too soggy.