About Blue Ginger
A striking tropical perennial producing dense, upright clusters of vivid royal-blue to deep purple flowers at the tops of tall, spirally-leafed canes. Despite its common name, it is not a true ginger but belongs to the spiderwort family. The glossy, dark green leaves are beautifully arranged in a spiral pattern along the stems, creating an ornamental effect even when not in bloom. Growing 1-2 meters tall, it brings a rare and coveted blue color to tropical shade gardens. Blue Ginger belongs to the Commelinaceae family and originates from Atlantic forests of Brazil; cultivated in tropical gardens worldwide..
Blue Ginger is a prized collector's plant in the Philippines, valued for bringing the rare color blue to tropical shade gardens. It thrives in the humid, shaded conditions found in many Filipino garden corners — under mango trees, along shaded walls, and in dappled-light garden beds. It is not as commonly available as mainstream ornamentals but can be found at specialty nurseries, plant collector groups on Facebook, and plant swap events. Filipino garden designers use it as a sophisticated accent in contemporary tropical landscapes and resort gardens. Its striking blue flowers make it a conversation starter and Instagram-worthy plant.
Also known as: Blue Brazilian Ginger, Blue Spiderwort.
Popular Varieties
- Dichorisandra thyrsiflora (standard deep blue flower clusters)
- Dichorisandra thyrsiflora 'Variegata' (cream-striped leaves with blue flowers, highly ornamental)
- Dichorisandra reginae (Queen's Spiderwort — silver-banded leaves, purple undersides)
How to Plant Blue Ginger in the Philippines
Blue Ginger can be propagated through stem cuttings, division of clumps. The recommended method is stem cuttings or division during rainy season.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 15-20 cm stem cuttings with at least 3-4 nodes after flowering.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, keeping 3-4 upper leaves.
- Step 3: Plant in moist, rich potting mix in a shaded area.
- Step 4: Keep consistently moist — roots develop in 3-4 weeks.
- Step 5: For division, separate established clumps during early rainy season, keeping stems and roots intact.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade to bright indirect light (thrives under tree canopy; direct afternoon sun burns leaves). Position your blue ginger where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist. Water 3-4 times per week during dry season. Loves humidity and moisture — not drought-tolerant. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-30°C (prefers sheltered, warm conditions without temperature extremes). High humidity essential — mist daily during dry season. Grows best in humid, sheltered garden spots. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing blue ginger outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Feed with balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) every 4-6 weeks during growing season. Supplement with organic compost for rich, moist soil.
Pruning
Cut spent flowering stems to ground level after blooming. New stems emerge from the base. Remove yellowing leaves to keep the plant tidy.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Leaf burn and brown edges
Cause: Too much direct sun or low humidity
Solution: Move to shadier location. Increase humidity through mulching, misting, and companion planting with other shade plants.
No flowers
Cause: Insufficient maturity (needs established clumps) or too much shade
Solution: Allow plants to mature for 2-3 seasons. Ensure bright indirect light — too much shade prevents flowering.
Stems flopping over
Cause: Natural habit of tall stems, especially after rain
Solution: Provide discreet staking or plant among supporting shrubs. Group plantings help stems support each other.
Mealybugs at leaf axils
Cause: Sheltered, moist conditions favoring pests
Solution: Remove mealybugs with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs. Spray with neem oil. Improve air circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Blue Ginger in the Philippines?
Blue Ginger needs partial shade to bright indirect light (thrives under tree canopy; direct afternoon sun burns leaves). Water keep soil consistently moist. water 3-4 times per week during dry season. loves humidity and moisture — not drought-tolerant.. Feed with with balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) every 4-6 weeks during growing season. supplement with organic compost for rich, moist soil.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-30°C (prefers sheltered, warm conditions without temperature extremes) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Blue Ginger?
The recommended method is stem cuttings or division during rainy season. Take 15-20 cm stem cuttings with at least 3-4 nodes after flowering. Remove lower leaves, keeping 3-4 upper leaves.
Is Blue Ginger toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Blue Ginger grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Blue Ginger grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Blue Ginger?
Common issues include: Leaf burn and brown edges (caused by too much direct sun or low humidity — move to shadier location. increase humidity through mulching, misting, and companion planting with other shade plants); No flowers (caused by insufficient maturity (needs established clumps) or too much shade — allow plants to mature for 2-3 seasons. ensure bright indirect light — too much shade prevents flowering); Stems flopping over (caused by natural habit of tall stems, especially after rain — provide discreet staking or plant among supporting shrubs. group plantings help stems support each other).
Growing blue ginger in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!