Flowers and ornamental plants cultivation in Brazil has grown over the years as economic activity. Pernambuco state is one of the major producers and exporters of Heliconia sp, a highlighting tropical flower in Brazil. However, detailed information regarding to the irrigation needed especially in semiarid conditions has been little studied. The objective was to evaluate different levels of water depletion in the substrate as indicators of irrigation time and its effects on growth and productivity of Heliconia psittacorum L.f. cv. Red Opal in pots. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse covered with 50% shade cloth located at the Agricultural Sciences Campus in the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco in Petrolina, PE, Brazil. This is a semiarid region in Brazil where irrigation is necessary for the production of most crops. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six levels of water depletion in the substrate and five repetitions. The determination of the depletion level was performed by means of weighing lysimeters. The following parameters were evaluated: plants water consumption, the amount of macro and micronutrients applied and the number of tillers emitted. It was concluded that the water depletion level at 5% on the weight capacity of container allowed the increase in the number of tillers. However, the management of the crop under tiller free growth conditions inhibited the emission of floral stems from this crop, when grown in pots. The efficient use of water in semi-arid climate is a requirement for the sustainability and reduction of production cost.