Stepladder Ginger is easily recognized by the broad felty leaves on plant less than 1 metre tall, inflorescence with green non-appendaged bracts and showy open flowers, yellow striped with red.
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where this tropical plant is best grown in organically rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates close to full shade. Intolerant of freezing temperatures.
It is a perennial, native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It is an ornamental plant grows to about a meter in height and shade loving, The flowers are borne in terminal spikes are yellow striped with red in colour, favourite to humming birds.
Give them plenty of organic matter when planting and donâ€™t crowd them.
Plant care is not difficult but does require vigilance.The vines need to be trained early when they are young. You may use plant ties or just weave them through trellis sections.
Special features: Greenhouse or indoor plant. Flowers are spectacular, but plants are otherwise not particularly ornamental.
Ornamental use: Costus malortieanus is widely cultivated and used as an ornamental plant.
Note:- The following information is general guidelines. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for guidelines.