Read this Costus Barbatus Care and Growing Guide with essential tips for a healthy, thriving plant in your garden.
Costus barbatus, commonly known as Spiral Ginger or Red Tower Ginger, is a member of the Costaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of South America, particularly Brazil and Colombia. This stunning plant is appreciated for its unique appearance and vibrant red inflorescence.
It has tall, sturdy stems that can reach a height of about 6 to 10 feet (around 1.8 to 3 meters) in height.
Costus barbatus has big, long, and spear-shaped leaves. They are a deep green color with clear lines running along them. The leaves grow in a pattern where they alternate on the stems.
One special thing about Costus barbatus is its beautiful flower arrangement. It produces bright red bracts that surround the actual flowers. The bracts are set in a spiral or cone shape, which looks like a tower.
The actual flowers are small and can be hard to see since they hide among the bracts. This lovely plant usually blooms during the warm months, from late summer to fall. The colorful bracts and flowers can stay for several weeks.
How to Propagate Costus Barbatus
Unlike true gingers, Costus can be grown from cuttings with roots. When it’s warm outside, especially during the warm months of the year.
- The best time to propagate Costus barbatus plants is during the spring or early summer when the plant is thriving.
- To start, carefully dig up the main plant, ensuring that it does not harm the rhizomes (thick underground stems). Then, gently shake off the extra dirt to see the rhizomes clearly.
- Next, use a clean, sharp gardening tool to divide the rhizomes into smaller pieces. Each piece should have at least one healthy shoot (a growing stem) and a part of the rhizome. Try to choose sections with good roots attached.
- After dividing the rhizomes, plant each section in the soil you prepared earlier. Make sure the shoots are standing upright, and the rhizome is partly buried in the soil. Give enough space between the divisions to let them grow properly.
- Water the newly planted divisions well to ensure the soil is evenly damp. But be careful not to overwater, as too much water can cause rot.
- Keep the newly propagated Costus barbatus in a spot with partial shade or filtered sunlight.
- Within a few weeks, the divisions should take root and start growing.
- Keep an eye on them and continue to care for them as they grow into beautiful
Types of Costus barbatus
1. Costus comosus var. bakeri, Red Tower Ginger
Previously called Costus barbatus, it is often known as red tower ginger and is loved in tropical gardens around the world for its bright colors. A perennial can grow up to six feet tall in zones 9 to 11. Red tower ginger likes full sun to partial shade and blooms with yellow flowers surrounded by red bracts in the warm months. It also has very fuzzy leaves. These plants are suitable for water-wise gardens, meaning they don’t need a lot of water to thrive.
2. Costus woodsonii, Red Button Ginger
Red button ginger is a favorite among Southern gardeners. It’s also called Costus woodsonii and can grow to be 3 to 4 feet tall. The plant has mid-green leaves. During late winter to early spring, it produces eye-catching bright red bracts. From these bracts, individual orange-yellow flowers emerge, which are actually edible.
3. Cheilocostus speciosus, Crepe Ginger
Malay ginger, also known as crepe ginger, is a widely grown plant in Florida. It has beautiful 3-inch flowers with ruffled white to pale pink petals and a yellow center. The leaves are up to 12 inches long and covered with fine, short hairs on the undersides. There is a variegated type called ‘Variegatus’ with large, soft leaves on red stems, but it doesn’t bloom as much as the regular C. speciosus.
Malay ginger can handle more sunlight than other types, but too much sun and dry soil can cause the leaves to burn.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Costus Barbatus
Location
Costus barbatus can grow well in different light conditions but does best in places with partial shade. To help it grow nicely, you can let it have 2-3 hours of direct morning sunlight.
Soil
Costus barbatus needs soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.
To improve drainage and avoid too much water in the soil, you can add perlite or pumice to the soil mix. Aim for about 20-30% perlite or pumice in the soil to help the plant grow better.
Water
Costus barbatus needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not too wet. It’s essential to let the top layer of soil dry out a bit between watering.
Avoid giving it too much water, which can cause the roots to rot. Also, do not submerge it, as this can stress the plant and slow down its growth.
Temperature
For the best growth of this tropical plant, try to keep the temperature between 75°F and 90°F (25°C-32°C).
Keep in mind that very cold temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or very hot temperatures above 95°F (35°C) can slow down its growth and cause problems with its leaves and stems.
Humidity
Although Costus barbatus can handle normal humidity, it will grow better and stay healthier with higher humidity levels. You can achieve this by spraying the plant’s leaves regularly with room-temperature water.
Use a spray bottle to create a gentle mist, making sure to spray both sides of the leaves. This will increase humidity around the plant and also keep the leaves clean.
Costus Barbatus Care
Fertilizer
To help Costus barbatus grow well, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. Start fertilizing in the spring when new growth appears and continue until late summer or early fall. Don’t fertilize during the winter when the plant is dormant.
Pests and Diseases
Costus barbatus may face common pest problems like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. You can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to eliminate them.
Another issue it might encounter is a fungal infection. Fungi like Fusarium and Phytophthora can attack the roots, stems, or leaves, leading to wilting, yellowing, and even death of those parts. To prevent this, avoid overwatering and ensure good airflow around the plant.