If you’ve ever slurped a bowl of asam laksa and tasted that unmistakable floral zing… chances are, you’ve met bunga kantan — also known as torch ginger or Etlingera elatior.
This iconic tropical flower isn’t just a garnish — it’s a superstar in many Malaysian dishes. And guess what? You don’t need a forest or a huge garden to grow it. In fact, with the right spot and a little patience, you can plant bunga kantan right at home — and impress your aunties, neighbours, and dinner guests alike.
Let’s walk through the step-by-step guide to grow your own torch ginger kingdom 🌿🔥
🌱 What Is Torch Ginger (Bunga Kantan)?
- Scientific Name: Etlingera elatior
- Common Names: Torch Ginger, Bunga Kantan, Thai Ginger Flower, Rose of the Wild
- Family: Zingiberaceae (same as regular ginger!)
Torch ginger is native to Southeast Asia and thrives in our hot, humid climate. It grows in lush clumps with tall stems (2–4 meters tall), and produces bright pink torch-like buds that emerge from the ground — those are what we harvest and eat.
Aside from being stunning, it’s also aromatic, tangy, and citrusy — the perfect flavor bomb.
📍 Where to Plant Torch Ginger
Torch ginger loves:
- Warm, humid weather (Malaysia = perfect!)
- Partial shade or filtered sunlight
- Moist, fertile, well-draining soil
Ideal locations:
- Back corner of your garden (so it can grow tall)
- Side of the house with afternoon shade
- Along walls or fences (it provides a nice privacy screen too!)
⚠️ Avoid: Full sun all day (can dry it out), dry sandy soil, or tiny pots.
🌿 How to Propagate Torch Ginger
Torch ginger grows from rhizomes, just like turmeric or kunyit. Here’s how to get started:
Option 1: From Rhizome
- Get a fresh, healthy rhizome from a nursery or gardener.
- Cut into 2–3 inch chunks (make sure there’s at least 1 “eye” per piece).
- Let it dry for 1 day before planting.
- Bury in moist soil about 5–10 cm deep.
Option 2: From Mature Plant Division
If you know someone with a mature plant:
- Dig up a clump carefully with roots and rhizomes.
- Replant it directly in your garden or large grow bag.
- Water well.
Pro Tip: Rhizomes should not be soaking wet or exposed to sun. Keep shaded until it establishes.
💧 Watering & Care
Torch ginger is hardy — but young plants need love.
- Water: 2–3 times a week (keep soil moist, not soggy)
- Fertilizer: Use organic compost or diluted chicken manure monthly
- Mulch: Add dried leaves or coconut husk to retain moisture
- Prune: Trim dead stems to encourage new shoots
Once it matures (1–2 years), it’s almost a set-and-forget plant.
⏳ When Will It Flower?
Ah yes… the million-ringgit question.
Torch ginger takes 12–24 months to flower — depending on your climate, care, and plant maturity.
Signs it’s about to bloom:
- Strong tall stems
- New flower bud pushing out from the base (not the top!)
- Deep pink or red cone forming
💡 Don’t panic if it takes a while. Bunga kantan is slow — but it’s worth it!
✂️ How to Harvest Bunga Kantan
When flower buds are about 15–20 cm tall, tightly closed, and vibrant in colour:
- Use a sharp knife to cut at the base.
- Avoid waiting too long — open flowers = too mature for cooking.
🥗 Use it fresh, or freeze slices for future laksa, kerabu, or nasi ulam days!
🧠 Bonus Tips for Better Growth
- Plant in clumps: Torch ginger loves friends!
- Add banana peels or fish amino acid to boost flowering
- Water during dry spells — it’s a rainforest baby after all
- Use bamboo stakes to support heavy stems if needed
🛑 Common Problems
- No flowering after 2 years? Could be too little sun, poor soil, or crowded roots.
- Yellowing leaves? Check for overwatering or lack of nutrients.
- Pests: Not many! Occasionally snails or caterpillars — just remove by hand.
📢 TAG US!
Already growing bunga kantan? Or trying it for the first time?
🌟 Tag us on Instagram @projectharvest.my and show us your pink floral torches standing tall. We’d love to feature your garden in our next article!
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