Red Button Ginger (Costus woodsonii) is a distinctive ornamental plant, admired for its striking appearance. This tropical perennial adds an exotic touch to gardens and indoor spaces. Its most notable feature is the unique “button” or cone-shaped flower structures, which emerge in vibrant hues.
Understanding Red Button Ginger
Red Button Ginger (Costus woodsonii) is characterized by lush, deep green foliage, reaching 3 to 6 feet tall with a 2 to 3 foot spread. Its broadly elliptical, hairless, glossy leaves are arranged spirally along thick, upright stems. This spiral arrangement is a distinguishing characteristic of the Costus family, leading to its common name, “Spiral Ginger.”
The plant’s inflorescence, which gives it the “button” name, consists of bright, glossy red bracts, typically 2 to 6 inches long. From these vibrant cones, small, delicate yellow-orange to reddish-orange tubular flowers emerge one at a time. Native to Central America (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia), Red Button Ginger thrives in warm, humid tropical environments. Other common names include Indian Head Ginger, Scarlet Spiral Flag, and Red Cane.
Cultivating Red Button Ginger
Red Button Ginger thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade, as direct sunlight can cause leaf burn. While it tolerates some morning sun, it prefers locations that mimic its native understory habitat.
Ideal soil for Costus woodsonii is well-draining and rich in organic matter, preventing waterlogging and root rot. Maintain consistent soil moisture by watering regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. During cooler, slower growth periods like winter, reduce watering frequency, allowing the top third of the soil to dry between waterings.
Red Button Ginger flourishes in warm temperatures (65°F to 85°F). It is sensitive to cold; extended periods below 50°F can be detrimental. High humidity (above 50%) is also beneficial, and daily misting or humidifiers can help meet this requirement, especially for indoor plants.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 15-15-15 NPK) monthly during the active growing season to support robust growth and blooming. Pruning involves removing dead stems and thinning congested clusters to improve air circulation and promote vigorous blooms. The plant is resistant to pests and diseases when healthy, but good air circulation further reduces potential issues.
Multiplying Your Red Button Ginger
Propagating Red Button Ginger is most commonly achieved through rhizome division, an effective and straightforward method. The plant naturally grows in clusters, spreading via underground rhizomatous roots that send out new stems, creating new plants from existing specimens.
To divide rhizomes, carefully dig up the plant and locate the thickened, horizontal stems. Select sections with at least one growth bud or shoot. Using a clean, sharp knife, separate these sections, ensuring each piece has some roots attached. Plant the divided rhizomes in well-draining soil, maintaining consistent moisture and providing bright, indirect sunlight to encourage new growth.
Stem cuttings can also be used for propagation, though rhizome division is often preferred for reliability. Plantlets may also form at the base of withered inflorescences, offering another avenue for multiplication. Regardless of the method, providing warmth and consistent moisture helps mimic the plant’s tropical origins, promoting successful establishment.
Red Button Ginger Uses and Safety
Red Button Ginger is primarily valued as an ornamental plant, widely used in tropical landscaping, as an accent plant, or in container gardens. Its striking red bracts and yellow-orange flowers add an exotic flair, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. It is an excellent choice for patios, indoor living spaces, or outdoor gardens in suitable climates.
While its main use is decorative, some sources mention minor traditional or folk uses, such as treating inflammations. Its widespread appeal stems from its aesthetic qualities. Red Button Ginger is generally considered non-toxic. However, while decorative, it is not intended for human or animal consumption.