Torch Ginger (Etlingera Elatior) - Red

Name: Torch Ginger (Etlingera Elatior) - Red
Brand: Sharon Flora
Price: 499.00 INR
Availability: InStock

₹ 899.00 ₹ 499.00

The Red Torch Ginger (Etlingera Elatior) is one of the most jaw-dropping flowering plants in the tropical world — and now you can grow your own from tuber. Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, this towering rhizomatous perennial produces iconic flame-red, torch-shaped blooms that rise on separate stems directly from the ground. Each inflorescence is a dense, waxy, architectural masterpiece up to 25 cm across that lasts for weeks.

The plant grows into a bold, lush clump of tall pseudostems reaching 3–6 metres, with large lance-shaped leaves that create a dramatic tropical canopy. It blooms year-round in ideal conditions and thrives beautifully in India's warm, humid climate. The flower buds and young shoots are also edible — widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine in salads, sambals, and curries. A single tuber becomes a permanent, spreading garden centrepiece that returns every season.

🌱 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 in warm, moist soil. Full establishment and first flowering takes 12–18 months — a long-term investment in a plant that rewards you for years.

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Light

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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.

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Watering

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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.

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Growing Media

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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.

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Feeding & Fertilization

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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	Torch Ginger, Red Ginger Lily, Philippine Wax Flower, Combrang
Product Type	Rhizome / Tuber (dormant or semi-dormant)
Origin	Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, New Guinea
Flower Colour	Flame Red
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