Costus speciosus, commonly known as Crepe Ginger, is a tropical perennial that is often grown for its striking foliage and unique spiral growth habit. The plant features large, elongated, dark green leaves that emerge in a spiral pattern around its tall, upright stems. As it matures, Costus speciosus may produce white or pale pink flowers with a crinkled, crepe-like appearance from cone-shaped red bracts, though flowering is less likely indoors. This plant’s spiral form makes it visually interesting for indoor spaces.
Costus speciosus has moderate care requirements and can adapt well to indoor growing environments, provided it receives the right balance of light, water, and humidity. It is well-suited to areas with bright, indirect light, and its tropical origins mean it prefers higher humidity and warm temperatures. Although it can tolerate occasional dry periods, consistent moisture levels will keep it looking its best.
Native to
Costus speciosus is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It thrives in tropical forests, where it grows under the canopy. In its natural habitat, this plant can reach up to 2 metres in height, though indoor specimens usually remain smaller. The distinctive spiral arrangement of its broad, glossy leaves gives it a unique architectural look, which makes it popular for indoor cultivation.
Water
Crepe Ginger prefers consistently moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. During winter, reduce watering slightly as growth slows. It’s important to maintain an even moisture level without letting the soil completely dry out between waterings.
Light
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too little light will slow its growth and reduce the vibrancy of the foliage. Place it near a north- or east-facing window, or provide filtered light through a sheer curtain.
Humidity
Costus speciosus thrives in high humidity, ideally above 60%. If humidity drops below this level, its leaves may begin to brown at the edges. For optimal growth, especially in drier indoor environments, misting the plant regularly or using a humidifier is recommended. This plant also grows well in terrariums due to its preference for humid conditions.
Temperature
This tropical plant prefers warm indoor temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 26°C. It does not tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C, which can cause the plant to suffer. Keeping it in a stable, warm environment will promote healthy growth.
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Winter shipping is available in the winter months at an additional cost and includes heatpacks and thermal insulation where necessary.
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All plants are shipped in their plastic nursery pot unless otherwise stated.
Plant pot sizes can fluctuate +/- 1cm.
We recommend to always size up your decorative pot by 1-2cm larger than the stated plant pot size. For example if you are purchasing a 12cm plant, you should purchase a 14cm decorative pot to ensure it will fit correctly.
We pride ourselves on the love and care with give our plants. Our entire team are plant obsessives at heart and so we go above and beyond to care for the plants we have in stock.
That said, plants are living beings and may differ slightly from the photo provided unless otherwise stated. Small leaf imperfections may be present and won't be compensated for. Some plants such as Begonia may suffer slight leaf melt when shipped. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
All our plants are stores and/or grown in our nursery under LED lighting. The conditions in our nursery are a minimum of 60% humidity and 19C year round.
