Water
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Also known as Canereed · Crape Ginger · Malay Ginger
Costus speciosus, known as spiral flag or Indian head ginger, is a perennial herb native to tropical Asia and Australia, featuring attractive foliage and showy white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers bright, indirect light.
100% intensity
Protect from intense afternoon sun.
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
100% intensity
Reduce watering in winter.
Requires well-draining, fertile soil. A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite or sand works well.
50% intensity
Ideal growing temperature is between 18-25°C.
100% intensity
Protect from frost.
Outdoor, Greenhouse, Indoor
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
100% intensity
Apply every 2-4 weeks.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Prune to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain shape. Cut back stems to encourage bushier growth if needed. Remove spent flower stalks.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing rhizomes. Cuttings can be rooted in water or soil. Rhizome division is best done in spring.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one with fresh potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Hellenia Speciosa (Costus speciosus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Family | Costaceae |
| Genus | Costus |
| Species | Costus speciosus |
Similar in genus Costus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
