Oxblood Ginger
Costus erythrophyllus Two Toner
Oxblood Ginger Plant Features
Oxblood ginger offers the ultimate two-for-one deal in plant form! You get to enjoy two great looks on one easy-care plant. This houseplant's fantastic foliage is rich green on top, and a stunning shade of purple-maroon underneath. It sends up new shoots as it matures, getting fuller from the bottom of the plant.
Because rich color lies on the undersides of the leaves, it's most impactful to display oxblood ginger at eye level or even slightly above eye level (such as up on a shelf). That way you can maximize visibility of the bold reddish-purple coloring.
This medium-size houseplant doesn't get too large -- it tops out around 2 feet tall. This makes it an ideal choice for well-lit desks and tabletops, as well as plant shelves and large terrariums.
Buy Oxblood Ginger
Buy it online and have it shipped fresh from our farm, direct to your door from our online plant shop. Or find it in our Trending Tropicals® collection online or at your favorite local garden center.
Oxblood Ginger Growing Instructions
Light
This selection of oxblood ginger prefers bright, indirect light. Like many tropicals, its leaves may suffer sun damage if it gets too much direct sunlight, particularly in Southern areas. It grows best with at least 70 footcandles of light. If you don't have a spot that close to a window, you can augment natural light with artificial light, or grow it completely under plant lights.
Water
Oxblood ginger prefers regular watering, so don't allow the plant to completely dry out. But also avoid overwatering. If it stays wet or saturated for extended periods, the roots may drown, die, and rot. Check the moisture level of the potting mix by inserting your finger into the soil about an inch or two. If it feels moist, wait to water. Keep in mind that the frequency of watering changes throughout the year and depends on the size of the pot your plant grows in as well as the temperature of the indoor environment.
Humidity
Native to areas of the Amazon in South America, oxblood ginger enjoys average to high humidity levels. In especially hot or cold climates where heating or air conditioning is used a lot, it can be helpful to augment the amount of moisture in the air with a small humidifier, by growing the plant in a large terrarium, or grouping it closely with other houseplants.
Fertilizer
Happily, oxblood ginger doesn't require any special fertilizers. You can feed it as little as once or twice a year (spring and summer are typically the best times to do this), or more frequently if you want it to grow faster. Use a fertilizer developed for use on houseplants and never exceed the amount (or frequency) advised on the fertilizer package.
Pruning
Oxblood ginger is an easy-care houseplant in that it doesn’t require pruning. Simply clip off any dead or yellowing leaves as they age to keep the plant looking fresh.
This variety is grown for ornamental use and is not intended for human or animal consumption. We advise keeping it out of reach from children or pets that may nibble.
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Light
Indoors: High light
Indoors: Medium light -
Colors
Green, Purple
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Water
Medium water needs
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Special Features
Purifies the air
Complement your Oxblood Ginger with these varieties:
Contrast the stunning variegation of Network Calathea with the distinctive look of oxblood ginger. Both appreciate regular (but not too much) watering and average to above-average relative humidity.
Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata) also features leaves that are green on top and reddish on the bottom, but also adds lovely silvery spots to the mix.