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Turquoise Puya

Siphonochilus kirkii - Pink African Trumpet Ginger

This is one of those "gotta have" plants!  Siphonochilus kirkii - the African Trumpet Ginger - is an awesome ginger species from East Africa.  Its cheerful, pink blossoms with their orange centers have the delicate look of crêpe paper.  They pair well with the handsome foliage, which is well-shaped and has distinctive ribs down the length.  The compact size and ease of growing this ginger makes it an excellent houseplant or show plant.  It is rarely seen for sale.

Siphonochilus kirkii - Pink African Trumpet Ginger

The leaves emerge from a small rhizome, which goes dormant during Africa's dry season.  When the rainy season begins, the upright leaves make their appearance, growing to about 2 feet tall.  Unlike my Siphonochilus aethiopicus, which flowers before the leaves appear, this one blooms after most of the leaves are in, which looks really nice!  It makes several flower stems about 8-12 inches long that quickly shoot out within a few days - faster than any plant i've grown!  Each stem makes about 10-15 blooms, which open one or two at a time.  The big, 3-inch blossoms have a great perfumy fragrance!

Siphonochilus kirkii - Pink African Trumpet Ginger

It's easy to grow when given the right conditions.  During the summer growing season it prefers warmer temperatures, with days above 65 degrees F (21 degrees C) and nights above 50°F (10°C).  It likes bright, filtered light or morning sun.  It might need some protection from strong afternoon sun.  It grows well in a 2 quart (2 liter) pot in fertile soil that's loose and well-draining.  A typical mix is 2 parts potting soil, 1 part fine orchid bark, and 1 part perlite or coarse sand.  Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy).  During the winter dormancy, water just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.  Over about 40-50% humidity is best.

Photo 2 used with permission of James Gershey

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