Red ginger - Alpinia purpurata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Red ginger

Also known as: Ginger Jungle King Pink, Pink cone ginger, Jungle queen

Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is a flowering perennial plant native to Malaysia. Red ginger is often cultivated as an ornamental houseplant. This plant is also called the "ostrich plume" and the "pink cone ginger." red ginger is the national flower of Samoa.

Scientific classification

Species

Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

Gingers, bananas, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

1 m to 3 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Red, White

Flower Color

Bronze

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Red ginger

Distribution of Red ginger

Distribution Map

Red ginger's native range is from Indonesia to the Southwest Pacific and has been transported to neighboring Asian regions and South and North America. Red ginger grows naturally in moist conditions, including damp woodland, roadsides, and wetlands. It's considered invasive in some Pacific Islands because of its robust thicket growth.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Moist humid conditions

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Red ginger is a common evergreen perennial typically grown as a houseplant or in tropical gardens. Its shockingly vibrant red bracts are the main attraction of this plant, along with its lovely foliage. Red ginger is a perfect option to add some tropical flair to an indoor space or bring some color into your home.

Symbolism

Love, Money, Success

Interesting Facts

Red ginger is extremely invasive in Hawaii, where it has been described as taking over many forests. There, the red variety of red ginger is called Jungle King and the pink version is called Jungle Queen.

Name Story

Red ginger: The reason for ginger being associated with red-haired people is probably because of the negative connotations of the word in the UK. As the beautiful flowers grow on the red bracts, it is commonly called red ginger.

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Care Guide for Red ginger

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from tropical rainforests, red ginger requires high humidity and consistently moist soil. Water weekly to support its lush growth. Primarily cultivated outdoors, red ginger thrives during periods of high rainfall, ensuring optimal hydration and health.

Fertilize: Fertilizing red ginger is essential for healthy growth and blooms. Apply high nitrogen fertilizers every six weeks during active growth, using a 12-4-6 NPK ratio. Reduce feeding during dormancy and follow label instructions to avoid root burn. Water red ginger post-fertilization to enhance nutrient absorption.

Pruning: Red ginger is a tropical ornamental plant celebrated for its vibrant red flowers and lush foliage. Prune red ginger in early to late spring to remove spent flowers and damaged stems, promoting bushier growth, improving air circulation, and enhancing flowering while preventing legginess.

Propagation: Red ginger is effectively propagated in Spring using tubers, facilitating an easier process. Success is marked by new growth from the tuber sections. Maintaining moisture and warmth is crucial for optimal propagation results.

Repotting: Repot red ginger every 2-3 years in spring to support its growth. Use a container one size larger, maintain moist soil, and provide indirect light for recovery. This care keeps red ginger thriving as a vibrant, tropical centerpiece.

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Images of Red ginger

Distribution of Red ginger

Culture

Care Guide for Red ginger

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