Red Ginger Flower

Botanical Name: Alpinia purpurata

Showy red flower spikes topping the tall stems of red ginger flower make it a favorite in tropical climates. In fact, you'll see it growing everywhere in Hawaii. But did you know that you can grow this spectacular beauty indoors? Red ginger plants grow wonderfully in containers.

Standard varieties will soar to 6 ft (1.8 m) or more. For containers, you'll want a dwarf variety, such as 'Red Dwarf' that reaches only about 3 ft (90 cm) tall with lush, compact foliage. Poking up between the red bracts, the true flowers are small, tubular and white.

Give your plant plenty of light to make this tropical beauty bloom. Flowering ginger makes an ideal potted plant for the sunroom, warm greenhouse or any brightly lit room. Turn the pot each week to give each side equal light exposure.

Repot in spring only to replace with fresh soil. This flowering plant blooms best when pot-bound, so keep the rhizome roots crowded in the container. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Overwinter A. purpurata in a sunny window. Cut back on watering, but don't allow the soil to dry out. Stop fertilizing after flowering is over. In early spring, resume normal care.

Red Ginger Flower Care Tips

Origin: Malaysia

Height: Typically 6 ft (1.8 m) or taller; dwarf varieties reach about 3 ft (90 cm)

Light: Bright light with some direct sunlight

Water: Water generously throughout the growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist. Water sparingly after flowering is finished. Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F/16-24°C. If you scoot your container to the patio or porch for the summer, don't worry -- it can take the heat. But bring it back indoors when the temperature drops...these tender perennials will only tolerate temps as low as 50°F/10°C.

Soil: Good-quality potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Pot rhizomes in spring for summer bloom.