How to Grow Torch Ginger Lilies: How to Take Care of a Torch Ginger Curcuma Plant

You may live far from where the trade winds blow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a tropical look and feel to your home.  The stunning, exotic, brilliantly colored Torch Ginger curcuma, also known as Ban Rai Red or Torch Ginger Lily, is living proof of that.  Simply put, if you want to add a tropical vibe to your surroundings, the Torch Ginger curcuma is your plant.  While it has been around for a few years, the Torch Ginger has only recently become widely available in the United States and boy has it made an impression.  Few plants can rival the Torch Ginger’s vibrant color and dramatic look, while also being quite low maintenance, and a perennial in garden zones 8 and above.  Now, let’s learn how to grow a Torch Ginger and how easy it is to care for this stunning exotic floral specimen…

But first, a bit of background on the Torch Ginger…

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How the Torch Ginger Curcuma Got Its Name

The Torch Ginger is a member of the curcuma genus of plants, a long-blooming, heat-loving plant that looks beautiful all summer long.  As one of the world’s most “tropical looking” exotic plants, the Torch Ginger, aka Etlingera Ginger, aka Giant Hawaiian Torch Ginger for its resemblance to a flaming tiki torch, is actually a relative newcomer to the world of ornamental plants.  While it may be relatively new to your local garden center, the striking Torch Ginger has its roots in Thailand, China, Laos and other Southeast Asian countries, where the curcuma is often referred to as a “Siam Tulip.”

Although it is no relation to the tulip family, it does belong to the Zingiberaceae family of plants, better known, and much more pronounceable, as the “ginger” family of plants.  So, between its flame red, coral and pink colored spire of flowers that recall a burning torch and its membership in the ginger family, it’s pretty clear how the “Torch Ginger” got its name.

Torch Ginger Appearance: Tropical Elegance in a Plant

With its bold, dramatic blooms, large, lush green leaves and amazing color, the Torch Ginger makes an elegant yet tropical statement wherever you decide to plant it.  For starters, Torch Ginger has lush, showy leaves reminiscent of banana leaves, which are themselves the epitome of tropical island style.  The banana leaf, of course, being so synonymous with tropical style that its distinctive image has been the signature print of the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel for more than half a century.

Torch Ginger Flowers – Like a Flaming Tiki Torch of Tropical Beauty

But, it’s not just its leaves that make you feel like you are on an exotic island (or Beverly Hills for that matter).  The Torch Ginger’s huge, vibrant red, pink and coral cone-like or “torch-like” flowers are everything you could want in a flowering plant to add a tropical ambiance to your home.  Not to mention, Torch Ginger blooms also make an excellent cut flower and can last up to two weeks.

The Ban Rai Red hybrid Torch Ginger pictured here has blooms that showcase ruby red and yellow flower bracts with an ombre effect that includes hues of coral, magenta and even purple.  While the plants are perennial in the proper grow zones and will bloom all summer long, the blooms do go dormant in winter, so don’t worry if they disappear for a few months and only their bulbs remain.

While you may not experience any gorgeous Torch Ginger blooms during winter, know that come spring, lush, green, tropical leaves will start to appear, indicating the striking tiki torch-like floral spires are not far behind…

Now, let’s grow a Torch Ginger…

Planting a Torch Ginger

Where Can You Grow a Torch Ginger Outdoors? 

Considering its tropical roots, it’s no surprise that Torch Ginger is a hardy perennial outdoors in warm growing zones and will thrive in USDA grow zones 8 through 11.  This means your plant can endure winter in these locations, in its dormant stage, with the potential to return every spring for several years.  In the United States, grow zones 8 through 11 describes a fairly large area, from the southeastern coast of the US, including Florida to parts of Texas, the Southwest, coastal California and up the coast to the Pacific Northwest.  This means quite a few gardeners can enjoy the tropical, exotic beauty of the Torch Ginger planted in their gardens.

***To find out whether you can grow your Torch Ginger outdoors year round, locate your precise grow zone here on this map… 

Of course, if you live anywhere outside of these hardiness zones, you may still grow a Torch Ginger in a container.  The resilient Torch Ginger does well provided it has a large enough container, along with proper growing conditions.  Scroll down to, “What Size Container Do You Need for a Torch Ginger?” for more information on potting your Torch Ginger.

How Tall Can You Expect a Torch Ginger Plant to Get?

In its native habitat of tropical Southeast Asia, some types of Torch Ginger reach colossal heights of fifteen to twenty feet tall…  Don’t worry, in colder, temperate climates or confined to a container, your Torch Ginger is not likely to become such a goliath of a plant.  The cold (and container) limits how tall Torch Ginger grows, ensuring the plant will only reach modest heights of about 2.5 to 3 feet tall.

What Is the Best Way to Grow a Torch Ginger? In-Ground or in a Container? Either, Depending Where You Live

Luckily for all of us lovers of exotic ornamental plants, Torch Ginger can just as easily be grown in-ground in garden beds or borders as it can in containers.  So, if you are lucky enough to live in any of the supportive grow zones mentioned above, make your Torch Ginger a beautiful focal point of your garden.

If you reside in less hospitable climates, Torch Ginger will happily adapt to growing in an appropriate-sized container.

TIP! If Your Torch Ginger’s Leaves Turn Brown. You May Want to Try a Larger Size Container or Plant Your Torch Ginger In-Ground

TIP! Want to Grow Torch Ginger but Don’t Get Much Rainfall? How Can You Prevent Soil from Drying Out Near Your Torch Ginger? Get Mulch

Cover the soil around your Torch Ginger with mulch for an easy way to prevent your plant from drying out too quickly.

Where Can You Grow a Torch Ginger in a Container?

Torch Ginger can successfully be grown in a container or planter on a patio or lanai in a great variety of grow zones so long as weather permits…

As a container patio plant, grow zone options expand considerably and you can grow a potted Torch Ginger from zones 4a through 11.  This means that, in temperate zones, you can grow your potted Torch Ginger outdoors during the summer but be sure to cover or relocate your plant indoors during the winter to shelter it from cold.

TIP! Torch Gingers & Water

Torch Ginger does not mind growing near water, but it must be planted in well-draining soil.

How Cold Is Too Cold for a Torch Ginger?

Torch Ginger grows best when temperatures are consistently above 60° F.  If the temperatures drop below 50°F, leaves will begin to yellow and floral inflorescences will remain small and closed, failing to open normally into its signature blooms.

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TIP! Experiment With a Potted Torch Ginger

Other than protecting it from cold snaps, a big benefit of potting your Torch Ginger is how easily you can relocate it.  Early on, you may want to experiment with different locations to figure out where your Torch Ginger thrives and blooms best.

Keep reading for the ideal conditions to ensure your Torch Ginger reaches its full blooming potential of show-stopping, flaming red blossoms, no matter what zone you live in…

What Size Container Do You Need for a Torch Ginger?

Grown from a rhizome, Torch Ginger plants have thick, dense horizontal roots which prefer to be less constricted.  To achieve this, choose a container that is at least 24 to 36 inches in diameter and 20 inches deep if you want the multiple stalks of flaming torch-like flowers Torch Ginger is known for.  A pot this size should be just large enough to allow the roots to be “loose” and achieve healthy growth of five to six large “flaming” floral spires.

TIP!  Your Torch Ginger Isn’t Blooming Much? Avoid This Mistake

By avoiding smaller containers that hinder growth too much, you ensure your Torch Ginger has maximum “flaming” blooms that last.  If your Torch Ginger becomes too root-bound in its pot, it may not grow nearly as many healthy floral “tiki torch” spires and you may have to transplant it into a larger pot.

TIP! Be careful using a shovel, hoe or rake to avoid damaging your plant’s rhizomes.

Did You Know? Count Your Torch Ginger’s Bulbs

The size of its rhizome or bulbs as well as the number of new buds it has determines how quickly your Torch Ginger will grow.  A Torch Ginger with a larger rhizome and more buds should flower sooner & produce more abundant, lush Tiki torch-like flowers.

What Type of Soil Is Best for a Torch Ginger?

Torch Gingers enjoy being planted in well-drained potting mix that is fortified with organic compost for a rich, fertile soil.  Stay away from either extreme of overly moist, soggy soil or soil that is too dry and arid.

Does Your Torch Ginger Need Fertilizer?

Torch Ginger plants do not usually depend on fertilizer to thrive.  As a matter of fact, too much fertilizer salts can actually damage Torch Ginger rhizome roots.

Should You Plant Your Torch Ginger in a Sunny or Shady Location?

Plant your Torch Ginger in a location with partial shade, partial sun for best results, especially in a container.   A Torch Ginger planted in-ground may be better able to tolerate full sun.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Your Torch Ginger?

If you plant more than one Torch Ginger, make sure they are at least a foot and a half apart so they have room for their rhizomes and room for their lush leaves and flowers.

How To Care for a Torch Ginger Plant

What Temperature Is Best for a Torch Ginger?

The tropical Torch Ginger is very much at home in hot weather as you can see from its preferred grow zones on the map referenced above.  Since warm, balmy temperatures similar to its native habitat is what Torch Ginger likes best, make sure your plant experiences warmth wherever it is placed.  Indoor potted Torch Gingers should be placed near a bright window to get adequate hours of sunlight.

In temperate, cooler zones, when weather permits, let your plant soak up some heat by placing your potted Torch Ginger outside.  Enjoy your plant on the patio or porch during the warm summer months.  Since Torch Gingers are not fans of cold, remember to relocate your plant indoors for the winter if you experience cold winters.

How Much Sunlight Does a Torch Ginger Need?

The Torch Ginger likes a lot of hours of light but typically does best when that light is somewhat indirect.  In most hot places that means partial, filtered sun is ideal for the Torch Ginger.  Particularly for a potted Torch Ginger which may not get as much moisture, the hotter and sunnier the location, the more you should avoid direct sunlight.

TIP! Make Torch Ginger Flowers Last…

One of the great things about a Torch Ginger is how long its flowers can last.  If you place your Torch Ginger in a slightly shaded area, its flowers are more likely to last longer, perhaps as long as two to three months…

How Much Water Does a Torch Ginger Need?

Torch Gingers like evenly moist soil but with proper drainage, never water-logged.  As it emerges from its dormancy, in the spring and summer, your Torch Ginger will need plenty of water once it begins actively growing.  In hot, sunny summers, water frequently in a well-draining pot.  This is what your Torch Ginger needs to thrive — especially if you experience dry, drought-like conditions.  Stop watering in winter when your plant goes dormant.

TIP! How Do You Know Your Torch Ginger Needs Water?

One way to identify your Torch Ginger is in need of water is when you notice its leaves begin to appear slightly shriveled and curl around the edges.  This can also indicate your plant’s container is too small as well.

Winter Dormancy & Water 

When bringing your Torch Ginger indoors for the winter, you will need to completely cut back on watering as your plant enters its dormant stage and rests.  It is also critical to refrain from fertilizing your plant during this period of dormancy.  Once your Torch Ginger’s deciduous leaves die off in winter, prune them and discontinue all watering of your plant (which will now just be hidden bulbs anyway) until you see new green growth in spring.

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Have you tried growing the exotically stunning Torch Ginger?  Don’t forget to bookmark, share or “pin” these tips to keep your Torch Ginger its blooming best..  Now, share your experience growing this beautiful, exotic ornamental in your garden or home in the comments!