Red Torch Ginger Lily ( Etlingera elatior ) is a clumping, herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. This species is a member of the ginger family that is used in culinary dishes such as Laksa and curries in its native regions; but is more commonly grown elsewhere as an ornamental. Red Torch Ginger Lily grows natively in tropical climates and is not frost or cold tolerant, dying at temperatures from 10°C / 50°F and below.
Etlingera elatior is a beautiful tropical looking plant that has almost palm tree like leaves but growing in a similar way to a fern. They can be grown outside of the tropics but require protection from cold, frost and wind and often can be high care. Not highly recommended as a permanently indoor plant because they may find it difficult to flower in these conditions.
Other common names include Philippine Wax Flower, Wild Ginger, Torch Ginger, Bunga Kantan, Combrang and Ginger Lily.
Growth
The shoots of the Red Torch Ginger Lily can grow as tall as 5-6 metres in tropical conditions, in cooler climates they are unlikely to get anywhere near this tall. The leaves are green, lanceolate and grow to approximately 20-30 cm’s long off the shoots. The plant grows underground rhizomes which can spread around the garden, it can also be propagated via these rhizomes.
The flowers grow on sturdy stems up to 1 metre tall and make an excellent cut flower; in some countries it is cultivated for this purpose. The flowers are large, round-cone shaped and surrounded by large petal looking bracts the same colour as the flower that open to reveal the flower head inside. The flower head is around 10 cm in diameter but including the bracts are more towards 15 cm in size.
Etlingera elatior will grow well in pots and this will prevent them spreading. This is probably the best way to grow them in cooler climates, so that they can be overwintered indoors. Protect from heavy winds that can damage there foliage.
FAMILY:
Zingiberaceae
CLIMATE:
Tropical & Sub-Tropical, can be grown in temperate regions but will need extra care.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 35°C / 50 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, nutrient rich soil.
LOCATION:
Shade – Part Shade – Full Sun (Grows best in moist shaded locations).
HEIGHT:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (6.5 feet)
pH:
5.8-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Clumping, Fast Growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Birds, Bats, Small Mammals and Ants.
MATURITY:
1-2 years
GERMINATION RATES:
59-72%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-8 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Coming Soon
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
FACTS ABOUT ETLINGERA ELATIOR (Red Torch Ginger Lily)
Torch Ginger Lily’s have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and have anti-fungal; anti-bacterial; cytotoxic; antioxidant and liver protecting properties.
Etlingera elatior are classed as invasive in Hawaii, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico & China.
