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Ornamental Ginger Plants
Ornamental ginger plants are a wonderful group of plants related to edible ginger, but used in the garden and indoors rather than in the kitchen. Because the group of plants called gingers are all close relatives, but not the same genus, their uses and cultural requirements are varied. Knowing exactly which ginger you have will help. The various species can be generally divided into evergreen and non-evergreen groups. The evergreen gingers can be grown outdoors in summer and as houseplants in winter. The non-evergreen varieties need a winter dormancy period when they are stored cool (but not cold) and dry to wait for the next growing season. All ornamental gingers can be grown as beautiful single specimen plants or in mixed summer containers outdoors.They do best alone in their pot when indoors. There are varieties for sun,shade and in-between. Some varieties of ginger have fragrant flowers and others have spicy foliage. Most gingers have long-lasting blooms, and many have beautifully marked foliage that make flowers a bonus. The Hedychiums(butterfly gingers) and some species of Cost us are the most fragrant types of ginger. To get gingers to flower you must be able to provide enough light.The varieties that prefer shadier conditions tend to perform best indoors.Varieties of ginger that need less sun are the Globbas (known as dancing ladies) and the Kaempferias (peacock gingers). Other similar plants are the Alpinias. They are known as bamboo gingers and they have lovely foliage and like both light and filtered shade.
Tips for Growing Gingers
What are the light requirements for gingers?
Most gingers prefer bright, indirect light or filtered sun. However, their tolerances are pretty wide as long as they are not in bloom. The Globbas and Kaempferias can tolerate medium light. All other varieties need high light in order to bloom.
How much water do they need? During the growing season gingers all need to be kept consistently moist, but not standing in water. In the winter,the evergreen species needs to be allowed to dry between watering
Do they have any special temperature requirements? Since they are from tropical areas they appreciate tropical temperature lower 70º and 80ºF and most cannot tolerate a temperature lower than 64ºF.
Do gingers need much humidity? Most gingers prefer moderate to high humidity during the growing season, but they can tolerate drier air during the winter.
How much fertilizer do they require? Throughout the growing season feed them once a month with a balanced water soluble fertilizer such as Bachman's Excel Gro. While they are in bloom, increase the frequency to every 2-3 weeks.
What type of soil do they prefer? Most species of ginger should be potted in a high quality, soil-based potting soil such as Brahman's Exeloam. The exception is the dancing ladies (Cost us) varieties,They require an acid, peat-based potting soil.
When should I repot my gingers? All gingers respond well to being repotted in the spring.
Will they need any grooming? The most they should ever need is an occasional light shower to wash the dust from their leaves.Cut off spent blooms when they no longer look good. Avoid using leafshine products on gingers. It can damage their leaves and blooms.
How are gingers propagated? The easiest way to propagate gingers is by division of the plants when their growth resumes in the spring. This job can easily be done when they are being repotted.
How do I care for a non-evergreen ginger in the winter? Let it experience night time temperatures in the upper 50ºs for about a week. Then bring it in and keep it in a cool place that stays around 60ºF. Water it only when the pot is dry when you push your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. Do not feed it. Begin watering normally again in late March and bring the plant into your heated living space to play houseplant until it can go out in May.
Troubleshooting Problems with Gingers
Why won't my ginger bloom?
Most species of ginger bloom in early summer and continue for several months. If yours is not getting enough light, it probably won't bloom, but it doesn't want direct afternoon sun. Move it to a location in morning sun and bright, filtered afternoon sun. Also,be sure you are giving it a balanced liquid fertilizer on a regular schedule.
What kind of insects might attack my ginger plant? Usually they are relatively pest free, but when the air is dry and hot indoors in winter, gingers may be attacked by spider mites. A few species are also sometimes bothered by aphids or mealy bugs.If your plant gets infested, put it in the shower and spray it with water to knock off all the pests you can and then spray the plant with insecticidal soap. Repeat this in a week if need be.If you see just a few mealybugs, you may be able to get by with wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Do gingers get diseases? They are not prone to diseases. However,if they are kept too wet, or the ventilation is poor they may develop root rots or fungal leaf spots. Be sure that their saucer is not standing full of water or the drainage hole plugged. Place the plant where there is more ventilation, but not in front of a heat vent or cold air return. Allow the soil to get a little drier between watering
My ginger has gotten tall and I need it shorter, like it was.What can I do? In spring take the plant out of its pot, divide it and replant only the shorter, younger growth. Keep it in brighter light and cut the rate of fertilization to once a month.
Additional Brahman's Information Sheets
General Care for Indoor Plants
Watering Basics for Indoor Plants
Indoor Insect and Disease Problems
Signs of Trouble with Indoor Plants
Moving Plants In and Out
Potting Indoor Plants
Propagation of Indoor Plants
Recommended Products
Bachman's Exeloam
Bachman's Excel Gro
Quality Containers and Tools
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