Kaempferia

Family. Zingiberaceae.

Origin. Africa and Asia.

Description. Kaempferia is a small perennial herbaceous plant with a thick, aromatic rhizome reminiscent of ginger. The leaves are wide, solid green or with all kinds of spots, stripes and marks in lighter or darker colors, up to 27 cm long, up to 10 cm wide, collected in a rosette, fragrant, after flowering they turn yellow and die. The underside of the leaf blade is often plain and purple. The upper leaves seem to be nested within the lower ones. Externally, the plant resembles a hosta. Large, attractive, fragrant flowers appear during the summer on low peduncles of 4 - 6, in shades of lilac-pink, white, lilac, often with contrasting spots on the petals. Unfortunately, each flower remains open for only 2 - 3 days.

Height. About 15 - 20 cm.

Temperature conditions

A very heat-loving plant, in summer it will enjoy heat from 24 to 29 ° C. Changes in day and night temperatures are welcome. During the dormant period, when the plant loses all above-ground parts, place the plant in cooler conditions, but the temperature should not fall below 15 ° C.

Lighting

In spring and summer, kaempferia will tolerate partial shade. During the rest period, lighting does not play any role. 

Care

Kaempferia remains dormant throughout the winter. It is quite difficult to grow indoors, mainly due to the required high humidity.  

Substrate

Nutritious, well-drained soil based on peat with the addition of sand. pH within 6 - 7.5. A mixture of heather soil and leaf humus is suitable.

Feeding

Start feeding when the first leaves appear and throughout the growing season once every two weeks.

Purpose

Can be grown as a ground cover plant. 

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

During the growth period, kaempferia requires very high air humidity. Use a room humidifier or spray the plant with soft water at room temperature. Provide the bush with good air circulation without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Start watering your kaempferia in March or April. The soil must be kept evenly moist throughout the growing season. Water with soft or rainwater at room temperature. When the leaves begin to wilt, reduce the frequency of watering. In winter, rhizomes should be in almost completely dry soil. 

Transfer

Replant in March, when the plant has filled the entire pot. For planting, you can use shallow bowls, since the root system of this plant is close to the soil surface - at a depth of about 3 cm.  

Reproduction

By dividing adult plants during transplantation.

Pests and diseases

If kept cool and lacking nutrients, the leaves become smaller and their color fades. Roots can rot if there is excess moisture, especially in winter. Pests rarely appear.

Note

All parts of the plant are toxic, keep away from children and pets. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the flower or use protective gloves.