The weeping blue ginger plant (Dichorisandra pendula)
is not a true member of the Zingiberaceae family but has the appearance of a
tropical ginger. It is also known as blue pendant plant and makes an
outstanding houseplant. 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 easy and provides a much-needed pop of color
almost year-round.
About Weeping Blue Ginger Plant
Ginger
plants have amazing foliage and flowers. Weeping blue ginger 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.
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 dance along a delicate wiry stem that arches,
creating a cascading effect.
The deep blue flowers hang from the stems and are comprised of three large petals with a white center. Weeping blue ginger flowers grow up to 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter and bloom from spring well into late fall. Bees will love the flowers.
Growing Weeping Blue Ginger
Weeping blue ginger hails from Brazil and likes a tropical
environment. It needs dappled light and well-draining, humus
rich soil. During sunny periods, the flowers 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 plant indoors well before cold temperatures threaten.
The biggest tip on weeping blue ginger care is to keep the
plant moist but do not overwater it. 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.
This tropical 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.
Fertilize with houseplant food in spring and again in midsummer. Do not feed the plant in winter.
The entire plant is compact and will not exceed 36 inches
(92 cm.). The branches are arranged laterally and can be pruned from the top to
keep the plant dense. You can share this plant through cuttings or division.