Costus speciosus

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Sow into moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 15-20°C. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks, but can be erratic and take much longer. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grown on under glass. Established plants can be moved outside in milder regions but frost protection will be required.

Growing

Best grown indoors or under glass. Can not tolerate frost. At the end of the growing season the plant may enter dormancy. Cease watering at this time, begin again when new growth emerges. When in growth keep warm and do not allow the soil to dry out. During growth a fertiliser may be added if desired. If growing outside in a milder region place in a sheltered location with excellent drainage, as winter nears offer a deep mulch for protection against frost.

Cultivation

This plant forms and grows from a rhizome. This rhizome will produce new shoots and ne plants can be propagated from these.