Etlingera elatior, also known as Torch Ginger, is a showy addition to the tropical landscape, as it is a large plant with various unusual, colorful blooms. Torch Ginger plant information says the plant, an herbaceous perennial, grows in areas where temperatures fall no lower than 50°F (10°C) at night. This limits growth to USDA Hardiness Zone 10 and 11 and possibly zone 9.
Torch Ginger may reach up to 20 feet (6 m) in height. Plant it where it is somewhat protected from the wind, which can snap the shoots of this tropical plant. Due to the large size, growing in containers may not be feasible.
The unusual Torch Ginger flowers may be red, pink, or orange — blooming from colorful bracts. White blooms have been reported in some plant information, but these are rare. Buds are edible, flavorful, and used in Southeast Asian cooking.
Growing Conditions and General 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 them 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.
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Links
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