Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring and maintain a temperature of 19ş to 27ş C. (66ş to 81ş F).
Division of the rhizome, including a growing tip during spring.


Botanic information
Leaf: The large oblong leaves have a sheaved petiole up to 2m (6ft) long and the leaf blade is up to 750mm (30in) wide. The texture is leathery and the colour is dull green.

Flower: The red tubulate flowers are arranged in a pendant spike that is up to 1m (3ft) long and composed of 'S-shaped" bracts that are packed densely along the rachis in a single plane. They appear from late winter to early spring and are persistent on the plant. It tropical regions the flowering period may vary.


Fruit: The globular berry-like capsule contains 1 to 3 seeds thatare viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.

Culture
All plants in this genus require abundant moisture during the growing season and rich humus rich soil. They tolerate some cooler weather but prefer a hot humid environment.

It the soil becomes frozen the plant dies off but if it is not too severe the rhizome will re-shoot. The flowers only appear on 2-year old growth and under cold conditions it may never flower.

If grown in containers use a peat base sandy mix and use a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing period and reduce watering during winter.