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 Costus 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 temperatures
between 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 Bachman's
Exeloam. The exception is the dancing ladies (Costus) 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 Bachman'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
Author: Margaret Purcell and Mary Henry, Horticulturists
2004
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