Blue Ginger

Blue Ginger performs best when given regular, consistent moisture. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry, or every other day. In winter, it’s fine to lower the watering regime to once a week or even less if kept in a brightly lit area. In hot, humid areas, you can allow the top inch of soil to dry out more than in cooler areas to help avoid root rot.

Blue Ginger prefers a bright, sunny location, with at least four to six hours of direct sun exposure per day. This evergreen tropical will tolerate some shade but will perform better in full sun. If growing indoors, put it in a south or east-facing window or use supplemental grow lights for best results.

Blue Ginger likes temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 degrees Celsius). It’s at its best and happiest between 75 and 80F (24 and 27C). Keep away from air conditioners, drafts, and heater vents to avoid sudden temperature changes.

If you’re growing this species indoors, you’ll want to provide extra humidity to mimic its tropical environment. Setting your indoor Blue Ginger in a humidity tray or providing companions to your plant — such as other houseplants — will achieve the desired extra moisture in the air.

This species prefers well-draining soil that is on the dry side. This can be achieved by choosing a potting mix rich in organic matter or making your own blend of peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and potting soil. Your soil should never become waterlogged so avoid overwatering and ensure the pot you choose has good drainage.

If you wish to fertilize your Blue Ginger, feed it once a month during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. When fall comes, reduce the amount of fertilizer to once every two months. In the winter, withhold fertilizer altogether as the plant needs a break.

Blue Ginger is fairly resistant to insects and diseases, but it can occasionally succumb to mealy bugs and other tropical pests. Mealy bugs commonly appear as fuzzy white masses on the underside of the leaves, and you may also see spider mites and scale insects. If you do spot a pest problem, start by manually removing the visible pests. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or a light horticultural oil at the first sign of infestation to avoid further issues.

If your Blue Ginger is in a pot, it's beneficial to repot it every two to three years to keep it healthy and growing. Ensure you are using good quality soil and select a pot with good drainage, ideally with a hole in the base. When you do repot it, if your pot is not much larger you may be able to use the same soil, simply removing some of the top layer and replacing it with fresh soil.

Pruning your Blue Ginger is not necessary, but if you so choose, removing any dead or damaged foliage throughout the season will improve the appearance of the plant and allow for optimal growth. There is no need for shaping or trimming the plant’s foliage or stems.

Mulching is not necessary for Blue Ginger, as it prefers dry soil to prevent root rot. If you do choose to mulch, use a type of mulch that drains well such as pine needles or wood chips.

Blue Ginger is easy to propagate from seeds or from stem cuttings. To propagate from seeds, sow in a seed tray filled with moist soil. Keep the soil at a temperature between 70-80F (21-26C). You can also take stem cuttings and place them in a pot with moist soil. Water the cuttings and they should begin to root within a few weeks, though they may take up to six weeks.

Blue Ginger is naturally upright but may require a stake to support the plant. A wooden or metal stake should suffice, but remember to avoid metal stakes in areas of intense heat and humidity.

Blue Ginger has no rest period and will stay in growth year-round indoors. Outdoors in tropical regions, it may go dormant in winter when temperatures drop, but in warmer climates it may only experience a lull in growth when temperatures peak.

Blue Ginger is non-toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA's database.