Blue Ginger Plant Care
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora J.C.Mikan
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora or blue ginger is a species of tropical flowering plant which resembles ginger in growth and habit, but is actually related to the spiderworts. The plant is native to the tropical woodlands of North, Central and South America, especially in Atlantic Forest vegetation in Brazil.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Blue Ginger?
Water Blue Ginger every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Blue Ginger Native To?
What Is the Blue Ginger?
Blue Ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Dichorisandra genus. Blue Ginger is native to the tropical woodlands of North, Central and South America, especially in Atlantic Forest vegetation in Brazil. Blue Ginger is also known as Thyrsiflora Dichorisandra.
Blue Ginger displays a clumping, upright perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Blue Ginger produces small, tubular blue flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Blue Ginger?
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Blue Ginger Need?
Blue Ginger thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Blue Ginger in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blue Ginger Prefer?
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Blue Ginger prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blue Ginger?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Blue Ginger to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Blue Ginger?
Feed Blue Ginger every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Blue Ginger?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Blue Ginger?
Blue Ginger can be propagated through division, stem cuttings.
Is the Blue Ginger Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Blue Ginger, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Blue Ginger?
Blue Ginger is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Blue Ginger Need?
Blue Ginger grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Blue Ginger is native to the tropical woodlands of North, Central and South America, especially in Atlantic Forest vegetation in Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Blue Ginger as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Blue Ginger is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dichorisandra genus — compare its care with other Dichorisandra species on PlantoScan.
Dichorisandra is part of the Commelinaceae plant family — browse all Commelinaceae genera and species.
Blue Ginger thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dichorisandra thyrsiflora J.C.Mikan, family Commelinaceae (first published in Del. Fl. Faun. Bras. : 3 (1820)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Blue Ginger, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Blue Ginger Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species