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Description
Costus Barbatus, also known as Red Tower Ginger or Fountain Plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It is a member of the Costaceae family and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers. Costus Barbatus can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide and blooms from late summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Costaceae |
| Genus | Costus |
Appearance
The leaves of the Costus Barbatus are dark green and glossy, with a length of up to 18 inches and a width of up to 6 inches. They are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem, giving the plant a unique appearance. The flowers are tubular, with a bright red color and a yellow throat. They are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem and can be up to 6 inches long. The plant also produces small, green, berry-like fruits.
Care Guide
Costus Barbatus requires a humid environment and moist soil to thrive. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The plant should be watered regularly, but the soil should not be allowed to become waterlogged. Fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 months during the growing season. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and should be protected from frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
Costus Barbatus is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot, which can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Costus Barbatus is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, where it grows in shaded areas near water sources. It can also be found in other tropical regions around the world, including Asia and Africa. The plant is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammation and digestive issues.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Costus Barbatus be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Costus Barbatus can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Costus Barbatus?
A: Fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Q: Is Costus Barbatus toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Costus Barbatus is toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep plants out of reach of animals.
Q: How often should I water my Costus Barbatus?
A: Costus Barbatus should be watered regularly, but the soil should not be allowed to become waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Costus comosus
- Costus curvibracteatus
- Costus lucanusianus
- Costus malortieanus
References
- “Costus Barbatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b792.
- “Costus Barbatus.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1259/.
- “Red Tower Ginger (Costus Barbatus).” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/costus-red-tower-ginger.htm.
