How To Grow and Care for Torch Ginger (Bunga Kantan)

Scientifically known as Etlingera elatior, this striking tropical plant is more commonly called torch ginger in Malaysia. In fact, regardless of race, Malaysians fondly call it bunga kantan, and it is rarely referred to as pokok kantan. This is the same flower used in cooking, especially when harvested as the unopened edible bud, often called the torch ginger bud.

Across the region, it goes by other names too. In Indonesia, it’s called kecombrang; in Sundanese (West Java, Indonesia), honje; and in Sabah, a state in Malaysia, the Kadazan-Dusun community calls it bokna.

What is Torch Ginger Plant?

Torch ginger is a tall tropical plant with strong, upright stems that grow between 3 and 5 metres high. Its long, broad leaves start light green when young and turn deep green as they mature, clustering densely around the stems to give the plant a lush, bushy look. The flowers grow on separate, sturdy stalks that rise from the base of the plant, not from the leafy stems.

 

Under the soil, the plant has thick underground stems called rhizomes, which look like larger, paler, and firmer versions of ginger or galangal. These rhizomes spread sideways, sending out roots that start thin but become thicker over time. The roots grow deep into the soil, so pulling out a stem requires strength.

There are three main varieties of torch ginger found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and surrounding regions:
Light pink
The most common variety, widely available in markets and used in cooking. 
Deep red
Also commonly available and used both for cooking and ornamental purposes; sometimes called Red Ginger Lily. 

White
Available mainly for ornamental use and landscaping.

Torch ginger rhizomes and roots.

 

Benefits of Torch Ginger Flower

Both the flowers and leaves of the torch ginger plant offer several health benefits. They contain natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infections and reduce swelling.

 

Torch ginger is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from harmful free radicals that can cause cell damage. It also provides essential minerals like magnesium and vitamin K, important for bone health and overall wellness.

 

Traditionally, torch ginger has been used to support digestion and ease stomach discomfort. Some also believe it helps boost the immune system and improve blood circulation, contributing to better overall health.

Torch Ginger: The Natural Aromatherapy
Both the flowers and leaves of the torch ginger plant have a nice, unique smell. The flowers give off a sweet, fresh, and slightly tangy scent. The leaves, on the other hand, have a light herbal aroma. Because of the flower’s scent, it is used in cooking as well as in herbal remedies.

 

Whiffing the flower works like natural aromatherapy, while lightly crushing the leaves releases a stronger, more concentrated aroma that helps the mind relax.

How to Grow Torch Ginger
Growing Torch Ginger in Pots
Young torch ginger plants can be grown in pots at first. However, as they grow, it’s best to move them to the ground. Even large pots will eventually limit growth because the plant spreads sideways underground.

 

Torch ginger needs plenty of space for its underground stems to spread and grow properly. Planting it directly in the soil gives the plant room to develop fully, grow taller, and produce more flowers.

 

For best results, start the plant in a pot if needed, but transfer it to the ground once it begins to outgrow its container.

Soil Type for Torch Ginger
Torch ginger can strive in any type of soil. It’s a hardly plant, and it will even strive in clay soil,which is basically the ground soil. However, if you prefer, you can top up with mixed compost or black soil, but ensure they goes into the clay soil. Otherwise, the rain or when watering, the soil will disperse away.

 

Watering

Watering as for all plants, is essential for torch ginger. During really hot seasons, do water them thoroughly and ensure water sips into the soil. Otherwise, the stems will dry out. When it comes to watering torch ginger grown on ground, even overwatering will not harm the plant.

 

Fertilizer

Not fertilizing every, at least two weeks once means torch ginger plant will not produce flowers. Do not over fertilize as well, as it will burn the roots and rhizomes due to the heat of the fertilizer. Follow as given on the fertilizer types on how much to use, and choose organic fertilizer for sustainable gardening.

 

Sunlight

Sunlight is essential for encouraging the growth of torch ginger flowers or buds. Without enough sunlight, the plant’s growth will be stunted, and flowers may not develop properly.

Uses of Torch Ginger
Torch ginger is widely used in Southeast Asian cooking, mainly in savory dishes. The unopened flower buds, known as torch ginger buds, are the main edible part. These buds can be sliced in half and added to dishes.

 

Don’t overlook the opened buds or flowers, they can be separated into petals and included in recipes as well. Torch ginger buds are also blended with other herbs and spices to make rempah, a fragrant spice paste used in Malaysian recipes. You can add torch ginger at the start of cooking for a stronger aroma or use it as a garnish at the end.

Pink Torch Ginger Flowers

While the leaves are not usually eaten, they offer a pleasant aroma. They can be sliced and added to dishes for their scent, such as spicy fish sambal. The leaves are also used as natural wrappers for frying or grilling seafood and chicken, adding a subtle fragrance to the food.

Attached below are two recipes from our YouTube channel showcasing how to incorporate torch ginger into Malaysian dishes.

No-cook Coconut Milk Salad with Torch Ginger.

Spicy egg with torch ginger (Sambal Telur Bunga Kantan)