Scientific Name
Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.
Common Name(s)
Torch Ginger, Ginger Flower, Philippine Wax Flower, Red Ginger Lily, Torch Lily, Wild Ginger, Indonesian Tall Ginger, Porcelain Rose
Synonym(s)
Achasma yunnanensis, Alpinia acrostachya, Alpinia diracodes, Alpinia elatior, Alpinia javanica, Alpinia magnifica, Alpinia speciosa, Amomum magnificum, Amomum tridentatum, Bojeria magnifica, Cardamomum magnificum, Cardamomum speciosum, Cardamomum tridentatum, Diracodes javanica, Elettaria speciosa, Geanthus speciosus, Hornstedtia imperialis, Nicolaia imperialis, Nicolaia intermedia, Nicolaia magnifica, Nicolaia speciosa, Phaeomeria imperialis, Phaeomeria magnifica, Phaeomeria speciosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Etlingera
Flower
Color: Red
Bloom Time: Throughout the year
Description
Etlingera elatior is a rhizomatous perennial that grows up to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall in tropical climates but much shorter in cooler climates. Arching, up to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall leafstalks are clad with ribbed, leathery, banana-like, up to 3 feet (90 cm) long leaves, each having a central groove. Naked flower stalks rise directly from the up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall rhizomes. Each stalk is topped by a cone-shaped inflorescence containing tiny yellow flowers over tiny fertile bracts, both of which are somewhat hidden inside of and subtended by large, drooping, showy petal-like red bracts. Flowers bloom throughout the year.
How to Grow and Care
Growing Torch Ginger is possible in a range of soil types. However, a major problem when growing Torch Ginger plants is potassium deficiency. Potassium is necessary for the correct uptake of water, which is necessary for the optimum growth of this large plant.
Add potassium to the soil before growing Torch Gingers by working it into unplanted beds to about a foot (30 cm) deep. Organic means of adding potassium include the use of greensand, kelp, or granite meal. Test the soil.
When growing these plants in established beds, fertilize with a food high in potassium. This is the third number on the fertilizer ratio displayed on the packaging. Once the potassium is right in the soil, watering, an important part of learning how to grow torch ginger successfully, will be more beneficial.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior).
You can propagate Torch Ginger by a division of rhizomes or by sowing ripe seeds.
See more at How to Plant Torch Ginger Seeds.
Origin
This species is native to Malaysia and Indonesia.
Links
- Back to genus Etlingera
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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