Chamaecostus cuspidatus aka Insulin Plant

Chamaecostus cuspidatus, or fiery costus, is in the Costaceae family. It grows on shaded rainforest floors in eastern Brazil. This plant lives for years in the tropics. It has soft stems and spreads through rhizomes, or underground stems. Sources also name it Costus cuspidatus and Costus igneus. It forms low clumps with stems that stand or arch. Missouri Botanical Garden gives its garden height as 1.5–2 feet [0.46–0.61 metres]. Plants reach about the same width. UF/IFAS lists larger plants at 4 feet [1.22 metres] tall and wide.

Thick green stems bear leaves in a spiral. The leaves have dark green tops and pale purple backs. Each leaf has a smooth edge and parallel veins. Leaves range from oval to oblong, often widest near the tip. They reach about 0.33–0.67 feet [0.10–0.20 metres] long. The large leaves give each clump a coarse look. Tall stems may bend down and rest on the ground. Leaves stay green, with no marked fall color change.

Orange flowers form groups at the tips of stems. Each group can hold three to eight blooms. Heads shaped like cones hold the flowers above the leaves. Each bloom spans about 0.13–0.17 feet [0.04–0.05 metres]. Flowers bloom in warm weather, including summer and fall. The bright blooms stand out against the dark leaves. Small green fruits have a dry or hard coat. They draw far less notice than the flowers.

Grow fiery costus in part shade and rich loam that drains well. Keep soil moist throughout; do not count on drought tolerance. UF/IFAS also notes growth in full sun and several soil types. These include clay, sand, and acid to slightly alkaline soils. The plant copes with brief wet spells but not much salt. Sources give USDA zones 9–11, though their hardiness ranges differ. In colder places, plants can spend winter indoors as houseplants.

Use clumps as accents, in pots, or grouped as ground cover. They also suit gardens in the tropics and greenhouses. Shaded shrub borders suit them too. Stems can trail over a wall. Growth is moderate, and plants need little upkeep. Split clumps or take cuttings to grow more plants. Small plants below the flower heads offer one more way. Scale, mites, and nematodes can cause harm. UF/IFAS reports no major disease concerns or known invasive spread. These sources do not establish food uses or toxicity.