Scientific Name
Etlingera maingayi (Baker) R.M.Sm.
Common Name(s)
Malay Rose
Synonym(s)
Amomum maingayi, Hornstedtia maingayi, Nicolaia maingayi, Phaeomeria maingayi
Scientific Classification
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Etlingera
Flower
Color: Pink to red
Bloom Time: Throughout the year
Description
Etlingera maingayi is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 6.7 feet (2 m) tall. Its leaves are variable, with undulating fringes, and emit a sour scent when crushed. Young leaves are translucent and reddish on both sides. Flowers are pink to red and are eaten as vegetables.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
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 this large plant's optimum growth.
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 that is 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).
Origin
This species is native to southern Thailand and Malaysia.
Links
- Back to genus Etlingera
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
