Weeping Blue Ginger Care

 

The blue ginger scientific name is Dichorisandra pendula and the plant is not a true member of the Zingiberaceae family but has the appearance of a tropical ginger. The weeping blue ginger plant is also known as blue pendant plant and it makes an outstanding houseplant. Actually the blooms come every year and the glossy green leaves closely resemble plants in the ginger family. Growing weeping blue ginger in the home or outdoors in warmer regions is really very easy and the plant provides a much-needed pop of color almost year-round.

 

Weeping Blue Ginger Plant Info

Ginger plants really have amazing foliage and flowers. The weeping blue ginger plant flowers, though, are very different from those plants in the true ginger family. Their flowers have a distinctly tropical look while those of the weeping ginger are delicate and small. They dangle from the stems, leading to the name blue pendant plant. The blue ginger is a member of the spiderwort family and not affiliated with true gingers. What it does have in common with ginger is its arrow-shaped, glossy green, firm leaves. These dances along a delicate wiry stem that arches, creating a cascading effect. The deep blue flowers hang from the stems and are comprised of 3 large petals with a white center. The weeping blue ginger flowers grow up to two inches (5 cm.) in diameter and bloom from spring well into late fall. Bees really love the flowers.

 

 Blue Ginger Plant Care

The weeping blue ginger plant hails from Brazil and the plant likes a tropical environment. The plant needs dappled light and well-draining, humus rich soil. During sunny periods, the flowers of the plant will close and reopen when direct sun is not on the plant. Outside these tropical-like areas, the plant is best grown in a container. Move the container to a partial shade location outside in summer. Bring the weeping blue ginger plant indoors well before cold temperatures threaten. The biggest tip on the weeping blue ginger care is to keep the plant moist but don’t overwater it. You can use a moisture meter to determine the root moisture levels or put a finger through the drainage holes to make sure soil is damp at the roots. The weeping blue ginger plant needs high humidity. Place the container in a saucer that is filled with pebbles and water. The evaporation will increase humidity. Alternatively, mist the leaves daily. You can fertilize with houseplant food in spring and again in midsummer. Don’t feed the weeping blue ginger plant in winter. The entire weeping blue ginger plant is compact and will not exceed thirty-six inches (92 cm.). The plant branches are arranged laterally and can be pruned from the top to keep the plant dense. You can share the weeping blue ginger plant through cuttings or division.