As far as the BOP is concerned go ahead and deadhead. When I use to maintain my parents bops I would wait until the top of the bird looked ratty and then go in with a sterile knife and cut down as far as I could go.....I never waited until the whole stalk was dead....I would even go as far as pulling out the individual little plumes when they turned yucky.

Hopefully, someone will come through and help you with your heliconia question.
Catlover

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