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Costus (Costus)
Spiral ginger are flowering perennials that are characterized by their spiraling stems and spirally arranged leaves, which is how they got their common name. This is the main feature that differ costus from true gingers (Zingiber spp.). These plants are widely spread throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas, but are restricted to tropical and subtropical areas. Some of the species in the genus are important food sources for rare caterpillars, such as the restricted demon *(Notocrypta curvifascia).* 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Costus
Feedback
Attributes of Costus
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Costus
Distribution of Costus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Costus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Costus
Feedback
The costus genus, with its tropical and exotic appeal, requires a balance of consistent warmth, high humidity, and indirect sunlight. These plants thrive in a well-draining and organically rich soil, needing a watering regime that allows the soil to slightly dry out between irrigations. Common challenges include scale insects, spider mites, and rot due to overwatering. Seasonally, it's advised to lower watering frequency during winter to prevent waterlogging. Summer calls for increased humidity, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat.
How to Water Costus?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Costus?
How to Propagate Costus?
How to Plant Costus?
Exploring the Costus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Spiral ginger
Costus spiralis is a plant species native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Costus spiralis is also known as spiral ginger and grows best in full sun to partial shade. Costus spiralis attracts bees and butterflies.
Red button ginger
Red button ginger, or Costus woodsonii, is a tender perennial suitable for warmer, tropical areas. Its scarlet cone is highly attractive to butterflies and bees. If kept above 10 ℃, red button ginger will bloom continuously.
Spiral ginger
Spiral ginger is a critically endangered perennial herb that is endemic to Costa Rica. This ginger blooms gorgeous red and yellow flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Each flower only lasts one day but is continuously replaced, giving the illusion of long-lasting blooms.
Costus tonkinensis
Growing on forest floors in tropical rainforests, costus tonkinensis is a tall-stemmed, perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that grow straight from its rhizome, and unusual spirally twisted branches. Though relatively rare, it is sometimes available in plant nurseries.
Variegated spiral ginger
Variegated spiral ginger can grow to about six feet tall and its foliage is prized among gardeners. It is found in tropical regions and is not frost-hardy. Those that bear red or pink flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and plants with white flowers also attract nectar-loving bees.
Blood red spiral costus
Blood red spiral costus is named for its unusual spiral leaf clusters that are green on top and blood-red underneath. A native of the tropical forest understory, this low-growing plant is well suited to growing on trees in tropical gardens. Sadly, it is almost extinct in the wild.
Spiral-ginger
Spiral-ginger boasts unique spiral-shaped stems punctuated by lush green leaves, wrapping themselves in an ornamental display. Towering funnel-like flowers emerge, typically showcasing brilliant shades indicative of its tropical African rainforest origin. This perennial herb demonstrates a resilient adaptability, flourishing under the dappled sunlight that filters through the dense canopy overhead.
African spiral flag
African spiral flag is traditionally gathered wildly to be used medicinally among its native communities in western Africa. It is also known to hold religious and ceremonial significance, having been used in traditional practices for a long time. African spiral flag nowadays is grown ornamentally in North and South America because of its unique form and colors.
All Species of Costus
Spiral ginger
Spiral ginger
Costus spiralis is a plant species native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Costus spiralis is also known as spiral ginger and grows best in full sun to partial shade. Costus spiralis attracts bees and butterflies.
Red button ginger
Red button ginger
Red button ginger, or Costus woodsonii, is a tender perennial suitable for warmer, tropical areas. Its scarlet cone is highly attractive to butterflies and bees. If kept above 10 ℃, red button ginger will bloom continuously.
Spiral ginger
Spiral ginger
Spiral ginger is a critically endangered perennial herb that is endemic to Costa Rica. This ginger blooms gorgeous red and yellow flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Each flower only lasts one day but is continuously replaced, giving the illusion of long-lasting blooms.
Costus tonkinensis
Costus tonkinensis
Growing on forest floors in tropical rainforests, costus tonkinensis is a tall-stemmed, perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that grow straight from its rhizome, and unusual spirally twisted branches. Though relatively rare, it is sometimes available in plant nurseries.
Variegated spiral ginger
Variegated spiral ginger
Variegated spiral ginger can grow to about six feet tall and its foliage is prized among gardeners. It is found in tropical regions and is not frost-hardy. Those that bear red or pink flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and plants with white flowers also attract nectar-loving bees.
Blood red spiral costus
Blood red spiral costus
Blood red spiral costus is named for its unusual spiral leaf clusters that are green on top and blood-red underneath. A native of the tropical forest understory, this low-growing plant is well suited to growing on trees in tropical gardens. Sadly, it is almost extinct in the wild.
Spiral-ginger
Spiral-ginger
Spiral-ginger boasts unique spiral-shaped stems punctuated by lush green leaves, wrapping themselves in an ornamental display. Towering funnel-like flowers emerge, typically showcasing brilliant shades indicative of its tropical African rainforest origin. This perennial herb demonstrates a resilient adaptability, flourishing under the dappled sunlight that filters through the dense canopy overhead.
African spiral flag
African spiral flag
African spiral flag is traditionally gathered wildly to be used medicinally among its native communities in western Africa. It is also known to hold religious and ceremonial significance, having been used in traditional practices for a long time. African spiral flag nowadays is grown ornamentally in North and South America because of its unique form and colors.
Costus montanus
Costus montanus
Costus montanus is characterized by its spiraling, staircase-like arrangement of lush green leaves that ascend the stem, resembling ornate green towers in their natural montane habitats. This tropical perennial flaunts showy, cone-like inflorescences, where each bract houses a delicate, hidden flower, a design that evolved to favor specific pollinator visits amidst the forest undergrowth.
African ginger
African ginger
Occasionally cultivated in flower gardens, and by indigenous people in its native habitat, african ginger produces dainty white flowers in the summer that attract bees. In its native habitat, the leaves and stems are a food source for West African Chimpanzees.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Costus
Costus
Spiral ginger are flowering perennials that are characterized by their spiraling stems and spirally arranged leaves, which is how they got their common name. This is the main feature that differ costus from true gingers (Zingiber spp.). These plants are widely spread throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas, but are restricted to tropical and subtropical areas. Some of the species in the genus are important food sources for rare caterpillars, such as the restricted demon *(Notocrypta curvifascia).*
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Costus
Feedback
Attributes of Costus
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Costus
Distribution of Costus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Costus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Costus
Feedback
The costus genus, with its tropical and exotic appeal, requires a balance of consistent warmth, high humidity, and indirect sunlight. These plants thrive in a well-draining and organically rich soil, needing a watering regime that allows the soil to slightly dry out between irrigations. Common challenges include scale insects, spider mites, and rot due to overwatering. Seasonally, it's advised to lower watering frequency during winter to prevent waterlogging. Summer calls for increased humidity, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat.
How to Water Costus?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Costus?
How to Propagate Costus?
How to Plant Costus?
Exploring the Costus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Spiral ginger
Costus spiralis is a plant species native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Costus spiralis is also known as spiral ginger and grows best in full sun to partial shade. Costus spiralis attracts bees and butterflies.
Red button ginger
Red button ginger, or Costus woodsonii, is a tender perennial suitable for warmer, tropical areas. Its scarlet cone is highly attractive to butterflies and bees. If kept above 10 ℃, red button ginger will bloom continuously.
Spiral ginger
Spiral ginger is a critically endangered perennial herb that is endemic to Costa Rica. This ginger blooms gorgeous red and yellow flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Each flower only lasts one day but is continuously replaced, giving the illusion of long-lasting blooms.
Costus tonkinensis
Growing on forest floors in tropical rainforests, costus tonkinensis is a tall-stemmed, perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that grow straight from its rhizome, and unusual spirally twisted branches. Though relatively rare, it is sometimes available in plant nurseries.
Show More Species
All Species of Costus
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
