Alpinia

Family. Zingiberaceae.

Origin. Malaysia.

Description.  Alpinia is a herbaceous plant up to 1.5 m high, depending on the species.

On the fleshy thick rhizome many buds are formed, from which branching shoots grow. The plant is unusual in shape and resembles reed or bamboo. In good conditions, the rhizome grows so intensely that it can tear a plastic pot. The leaves are oblong, 80 cm long, 10 - 22 cm wide, bare and pointed at the tip. Inflorescences are long panicles, mostly cylindrical, 15 - 30 cm. As a rule, they lengthen significantly with age. The bracts are usually red (sometimes pink or white), ovate or wide inversely ovate, 2.5 - 3 cm long during flowering, lengthening to 4 - 6 cm. The fruits are almost spherical, 2 - 3 cm in diameter. When damaged, the leaves emit a pleasant aroma. 

Height. From 70 cm to 2 m in height.

Alpinia - care at home

Temperature conditions

Average room temperatures are 16 - 24 ° C. It does not tolerate temperatures below 10 ° C. During the active growing season, the warmer the better. Overwinters in a sunny window. Reduce watering, but do not let the soil dry out, stop fertilizing. In early spring, return to normal care. A winter dormant period is necessary for flowering.

Growing alpinia at home 

Fast growing bush. Remove old leaves. In the warm season, these plants can be moved outside into partial shade. Bring plants back indoors before temperatures drop below 15°C. Rotate the pot every week to give each side of the plant equal light. 

Lighting for indoor plants

Bright light with some direct sunlight, especially good lighting is necessary for variegated varieties, otherwise they lose their attractiveness. 

Reproduction

By dividing mature bushes at the end of winter. You can plant young shoots. Place the pots with the cuttings in a warm, shaded place and leave them there for several weeks. Do not bury the plant when planting. After planting, allow the soil to dry out before watering again. 

Soil for alpinia

Based on humus, with the obligatory addition of peat and sand.

Feeding

Monthly in spring and summer with fertilizers with a high potassium content in half the concentration. 

Purpose

Due to their rapid growth, alpinias do best in large containers at least 40 cm deep or in the ground in the winter garden. 

Flowering time

Quite rare in culture.

Air humidity

Moderate to high humidity. High humidity is important for alpinia; place the plant pot on a tray with damp pebbles. 

Frequency of watering

Water generously during the active growth period, keeping the soil evenly moist. After flowering, reduce watering. 

Transfer

Every year, in the spring, change the top layer of soil in large pots. This flowering plant blooms best in a cramped pot. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the roots. 

Pests and diseases

The edges of the leaves turn brown if the plant lacks moisture.

Of the harmful insects,  spider mites, which appear when kept too dry, can pose a danger.

Note

The lifespan of a houseplant is from 1 to 7 years in the house and more than 5 years in the humid air of a greenhouse. 

Varieties:

Alpinia officinarum

A plant with long, green, pointed leaves. Flowers with white petals and a red stripe, collected in inflorescences - apical panicles. Alpinia officinalis root has a pleasant aroma and pungent taste - it has been used in Europe as a spice for more than a thousand years. The essential oil of the plant is used in perfumery in countries such as India. In medicine it is used as an antimicrobial agent and antioxidant. 

Alpinia variegated

This species is distinguished not only by its beautiful flowering, but also by its attractive decorative foliage. Each leaf has white or yellow stripes extending from the central vein to the edge of the leaf blade. It differs in its small size.