This is one of the world's most splendid flowers. Etlingera elatior red, The Red Torch Ginger, is native to South East Asia. The torchs itself has a large reddish head. It will give you one of the most brilliant flowers imaginable with a dazzling mass display of bracts in a bright red cone shape. The flower is about 25 cm across and is borne on a 1.5 meter leafless stem that arises straight out of the ground. Has a smooth textured, broad, dark green leaves. Its inflorescence makes like the Red Torch Ginger a good cut flower. When the flower has finished a decorative seed head spike remains. Hardiness zones 9-11, (5§C/40§F, -5§C/25§F) in Winter. Not frost or cold tolerant. Very easy to grow. Best grown in full sun and needs plenty of warmth and well drained conditions. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings. Water freely and feed monthly in growing season. It should be planted in a rich soil high in organic matter. Excellent for the greenhouse but needs high humidity and artificial light.