Monday, November 2, 2026

The Heliconias in Hoskote

 

The Heliconias in Hoskote





My friend Bela from Mulberry Lane sent me a few Rhizomes of her Heliconias. I did not want the normal ones which Dad had planted in Hayes Road and the smaller ones which Jacqueline Colaco had shared. I wanted the big, monster heliconias which Bela had! So three years ago I put down a few in Hoskote, infront of the house and with the chicken waste we have been harvesting the large blooms which I share with friends.









Jaffer hacks them down


Jaffer hacks them down as they're taller than the house.  Periodically we cut them down because then they can regrow to a more manageable height. Plus, they can become invasive like bamboo. A friend of mine -- Priya Mascarenhas has Heliconias from across the world. I have been sent her rhizomes but Ive not had much luck with them. But I bring these home and put them in a great big vase and the rest just share in the building with my tenants.



 





 
Bringing joy everyday

This species needs a lot of space to grow and I'm glad its happy in Hoskote. Of course it's the Godrej Chicken waste that make them grow to this magnificent size!