Curcuma Plant Care
Curcuma plants belong to the same plant family as ginger, turmeric and curcumin. These spices come from curcuma plant rhizomes, which are the part of the stem found underground that sends out roots. Gardeners appreciate their broad, lush green leaves and striking, conelike flowers. These native plants of India grow well in tropical areas. Curcuma plants also make good houseplants, provided you give them a little extra attention.
If you live in a region that drops below 60 degrees F at night, keep curcuma plants indoors near a window that receives lots of natural light.
Encourage humidity around your curcuma plant by filling the tray with gravel and adding water until it's level with the gravel surface. Place the plant in its flowerpot on top. As the water evaporates, add more as needed.
- Curcuma plants belong to the same plant family as ginger, turmeric and curcumin.
- These spices come from curcuma plant rhizomes, which are the part of the stem found underground that sends out roots.
Regularly water your curcuma plant. Ensure that the soil drains well, as you want the soil to be humid but not waterlogged. You may have to add some coarse sand to the soil to encourage drainage.
During spring and summer, feed your curcuma plant with the fertilizer every other week. At the same time, umist your plant's leaves with warm water.
Check the curcuma plant regularly for insect infestation or damage. If you find insects or mealy bugs, gently spray diluted plant insecticide on the leaves.
- Regularly water your curcuma plant.
- During spring and summer, feed your curcuma plant with the fertilizer every other week.
Allow your plant to flower during spring and summer. It will wilt during the winter, but grow back and flourish again in the spring. In spring, propagate curcuma plants by dividing the rhizome and replanting them in their own flowerpots.
Tip
Curcuma plants make excellent cut flowers that last up to two weeks. Blooms will last even longer on the plant.
Do not allow your curcuma plant to dry out. Mist the entire plant with water at least every two weeks, and ensure that the holding tray always contains water.
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Tips
- Curcuma plants make excellent cut flowers that last up to two weeks. Blooms will last even longer on the plant.
- Do not allow your curcuma plant to dry out. Mist the entire plant with water at least every two weeks, and ensure that the holding tray always contains water.
Writer Bio
Ruth Taylor is a teacher and a freelance writer. She has been writing for years, but only recently started freelancing. Her articles have appeared in Livestrong, eHow and other websites. In college she majored in Spanish and graduated summa cum laude with a M.A.T. in teaching a second language. She has taught both in high school and elementary school.
