Care for Torch Ginger

Grow Torch Ginger in a lightly shaded area. The more sun it gets, the less it grows, and hot sun wilts its flowers.

Place mulch on top of the soil around the plant to conserve moisture. Shredded leaves, grass clippings or bark shavings work well.

Water the Torch Ginger to keep its soil moist at all times. During hot summers, you may need to water it more than once each day.

Fertilize the Torch Ginger once each month with a 15-5-5 fertilizer. Use the amount suggested on the fertilizer's label. When the plant blooms, increase the frequency of fertilizer application to once every three weeks.

Trim off the plant's dead leaves and flower stalks. Cut flower stalks to the soil.

Inspect the Torch Ginger for signs of aphids, a common pest of the plant. Small infestations can be blasted off the plant with water from a hose. Use insecticidal soap spray for stubborn infestations. Follow the instructions on the insecticidal soap's label.

Take a soil sample to your area's Cooperative Extension Service office if the Torch Ginger fails to thrive or develops yellow or brown splotches on its foliage. The plant is susceptible to potassium deficiencies, which are difficult to diagnose without a soil test. The Extension Service agents will guide you on how to cure a deficiency.