Torch Ginger (Etlingera Elatior) - Maroon
Sale price
₹ 599.00
Regular price
₹ 899.00
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Torch Ginger (Etlingera Elatior) - Maroon
Regular price
₹ 899.00
Sale price
₹ 599.00
The Maroon Torch Ginger (Etlingera Elatior) is the rarer, moodier cousin of the classic red — and for collectors and garden enthusiasts who want something truly uncommon, this is the one. Where the red variety blazes with fiery intensity, the maroon blooms deep, rich, and velvety — dark burgundy-maroon inflorescences that rise dramatically on tall separate stems directly from the ground, each one a dense, waxy, architectural bloom that can span up to 25 cm and hold for weeks.
Like all Etlingera Elatior, it grows into a bold, spreading clump of tall pseudostems reaching 3–6 metres, with large lance-shaped leaves that create a lush tropical backdrop. It blooms year-round in warm, humid conditions and thrives beautifully in India's climate. The flower buds and young shoots are also edible — used across Southeast Asian cuisines in salads and sambals. A single planted tuber becomes a permanent, spreading garden centrepiece that multiplies season after season without replanting.
🌱 You Are Buying a Tuber — Here's What to Expect
This product is a dormant or semi-dormant rhizome/tuber, not a growing plant. Tubers are healthy, viable, and ready to plant. First shoots typically emerge within 3–6 weeks of planting in warm, moist soil. Full establishment and first flowering generally takes 12–18 months — a long-term investment in a plant that returns and spreads for years.
💡 How the Maroon Differs from the Red Variety
The Maroon Torch Ginger produces deeper, darker blooms — rich burgundy-maroon rather than flame red — and is rarer in cultivation. Care requirements are identical to the red variety. Both can be grown together for a stunning two-tone display in larger garden spaces.
Light
▾Full sun to partial shade — at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best blooming. A south or west-facing garden spot is ideal. Tolerates partial shade but flowers less freely. Avoid deep shade — causes tall, spindly growth with few or no blooms.
Watering
▾Water regularly and deeply — keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. During establishment, water 2–3 times a week. Once mature, more drought-tolerant but blooms best with steady moisture. Reduce slightly in cooler months. Good drainage is essential.
Growing Media
▾Rich, well-draining soil: 40% loamy garden soil, 30% compost or well-rotted FYM, 20% sand or perlite, 10% vermicompost. Ideal pH: 5.5–6.5. Plant the tuber 5–8 cm deep with the growing bud facing upward. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Feeding & Fertilization
▾Apply balanced NPK (10-10-10) monthly during the growing season. Once stems are actively growing, switch to a potassium-rich feed (10-30-20) every 3–4 weeks to promote blooming. Top-dress with compost every 2–3 months. Reduce in winter.
🌿 How to Plant Your Tuber
Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with rich, well-draining soil. Dig a hole 20–30 cm deep and wide, mix in generous compost, and plant the tuber 5–8 cm deep with the growing bud facing upward. Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil consistently moist. Shoots typically emerge in 3–6 weeks. For pots, use a container of at least 40–50 cm diameter with good drainage — Torch Ginger grows large and needs space for its rhizomes to spread.
⚠️ Common Issues & Quick Fixes
Tuber Not Sprouting
▾Be patient — emergence can take 3–6 weeks. Ensure soil stays warm (above 20°C) and consistently moist. Check the tuber isn't planted too deep or with the bud facing down.
Yellow or Pale Leaves
▾Usually nutrient deficiency or waterlogged roots. Check drainage first; if roots are healthy, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer and ensure soil pH isn't too alkaline.
Tall Growth but No Flowers
▾Too much shade or excess nitrogen. Move to a sunnier spot and switch to a potassium-rich bloom fertilizer (10-30-20). First flowering takes 12–18 months from planting.
Rotting at the Base
▾Overwatering or poor drainage. Let soil dry slightly between waterings and improve drainage with sand or perlite. Remove any soft, rotted rhizome sections before replanting.
Aphids or Spider Mites
▾Spray with diluted neem oil every 7–10 days until resolved. Ensure good air circulation and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which attracts soft-bodied pests.
📋 Quick Plant Profile
| Botanical Name | Etlingera elatior |
| Common Names | Maroon Torch Ginger, Dark Torch Ginger, Ginger Lily |
| Product Type | Rhizome / Tuber (dormant or semi-dormant) |
| Origin | Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, New Guinea |
| Flower Colour | Deep Burgundy-Maroon |
| Blooming Season | Year-Round in ideal conditions (peak: warm & wet months) |
| Light | Full Sun to Partial Shade (4–6 hrs daily) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic) |
| Planting Depth | 5–8 cm deep, growing bud facing upward |
| Time to First Shoot | 3–6 weeks after planting |
| Time to First Flower | 12–18 months from planting |
| Mature Plant Height | 3–6 metres |
| Ideal For | Gardens, Landscapes, Large Pots (min. 40 cm diameter) |
| Edible | Yes — flower buds & young shoots used in Southeast Asian cooking |
| Care Level | Easy — thrives naturally in Indian tropical conditions |
Size Details
1 Torch Ginger (Etlingera Elatior) - Maroon
Size:
(Plant sizes may vary slightly based on seasonal growth, individual plant characteristics, and current stock.)
Care Instructions
Difficulty:
Light:
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Growing Media:
Feeding & Fertilization:
Shipping & Delivery
We ship plants within 3-4 days after placing the order if we have them in stock. If not, we’ll email you with the details. Learn More
Replacement
If your plant dies during transit, please contact us with proof, including an unboxing video, and we'll replace it for free. Learn More