Care guide for the extraordinary Alpinia

Alpinia zerumbet in garden

These are more spectacular and decorative plants. It is a grass that grows up to 3 meters in height, which can occupy an area of ​​4-5 square meters, and that produces beautiful flowers which give off a very intense and pleasant aroma.

Your name? Alpine, and here we leave you its care guide so you can have a copy (or two or three 🙂) decorating the home or garden.

Characteristics of the Alpinia

Alpinia zerumbet in flower

But first, and as always every time we talk about plants, we are going to tell you what their main characteristics are so that, in this way, it is easier for you to identify them. Let us begin.

Our protagonist is a perennial rhizomatous herb that grows in East Asia. Its leaves are elliptical, up to 70cm long by 10cm wide, with a wedge base, green or variegated. The flowers appear grouped in cluster inflorescences, measuring up to 40cm long by 10cm wide. The fruit is a globose capsule of 20mm in diameter.

His scientific name is alpinia zerumbet, although it is known by the common names of Alpine or Porcelain lily. It belongs to the botanical family Zingiberaceae, like the turmeric.

How do you take care of yourself?

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'

Now that we know what it is like, let's see what care it requires:

  • Location: in mild climates it can be outdoors, both in full sun and in semi-shade; On the other hand, if frost occurs, it will be better to keep it indoors, in a room where a lot of natural light enters and is protected from drafts.
  • Irrigation: frequent in summer and somewhat scarcer the rest of the year. It is advisable to water about 3 times a week during the warm months, and 1-2 / week the rest.
  • Soil or substrate: it has to be fertile and has good drainage. If you want to have it in the garden, it is convenient to mix the soil with 20% perlite; On the other hand, if you choose to have it in a pot, you should use a universal growing substrate mixed with 20% perlite and 10% organic compost, such as worm castings or manure.
  • Subscriber: throughout the growing season (spring and summer) it must be paid with liquid organic fertilizers, such as guano, following the instructions specified on the packaging.
  • Pruning: To keep it looking pretty and avoid the proliferation of fungi and other problems, dry leaves and wilted flowers should be cut.
  • Multiplication: by division, in spring.
  • Rusticity: supports up to -1ºC as long as they are punctual and short-lived.

Have you heard of this plant?


2 comments, leave yours

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  1.   marilina said

    The fruit is very fragrant, can it be consumed as a spice?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Marilina.
      I couldn't tell you, I'm sorry.

      I do know that infusions are made with the leaves, and that the underground rhizome can be consumed. But of the fruit ... I have not found anything.

      Greetings.