Caring for the Flowering Ginger Plant
Ginger plants have made a name for themselves, there are many species of gingers from ornamentals used in gardens, landscapes and interior plantscape designs to edible gingers that are used to flavor foods and other treats.
But why I also love the ginger plant is it is famous for being used for medical purposes. I remember as a child my parents would often us the edible ginger to make a tea for health-related issues. The edible ginger is well known for its health benefits and is used widely to promote natural healing. However, in this article, we will be looking at the growth and the care of ornamental gingers with their dazzling flower bloom.
My experience
I have worked with ornamental gingers both on garden and interior plantscape projects and to be honest with you these babies can work wonders bringing much delight with its charm as it blooms in all of its splendor. From what I have experienced the ginger plant is easy to grow and care for and will give you a BANG for your BUCK. Following these steps which are laid out will ensure that you have success with the growth and the care of these plants.
Planting Location
When growing gingers outdoors look for an area which gets partial sunlight. Installing gingers in direct sunlight will cause the leaves to burn or turn brown.
Soil Type
The soil type should be a soil that drains well but holds the right amount of moisture because gingers love moisture, adding compost or organics will help to build or condition the soil.
Watering Methods
When watering gingers allow the soil to dry out a bit before giving your gingers another drink. Don’t overwater gingers which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing Methods
The use of a fertilizer that encourages flower bloom will keep your gingers looking their best.
Garden insect pests of the ginger plant
Though the ginger plant is exotic it has its share of garden insect pests which can do much damage. Among these host of pest are.
- Red Spider Mites
- Aphids
- Scales
- Ants
- MealyBugs
- Army Worms
- Cut Worms
- Slugs
- Snails
- Caterpillar
- Weevil
- Thrips
Control these garden pests with the help of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, with snails and slugs the use of snail bate or diatomaceous earth will offer some help.
Word of caution
To keep your gingers growing healthy, follow maintenance practice, remove dead any diseased leaves keeping the surrounding area free of debris and keeping a watch for the first signs of pest and taking immediate action to eliminate them.
Ginger plant diseases
Keep an eye out for these diseases.
- Fusarium Yellows
- Root Knot Nematodes
- Bacterial Wilt
- Root Rot
Fusarium Yellow
Fusarium yellow is a disease which is encouraged by a fungus. Signs of this disease include stunted and yellow shoots, you may also discover that the rhizome once pulled may be dry rot.
Root- Knot Nematodes
The root-knot nematode is a tiny worm-like microscopic organism that lives in the soil. Root-knot nematodes will cause the rhizomes to have a lumpy appearance but this is no real threat to the ginger plant unless it is a server case.
Bacterial Wilt
Bacterial wilt is encouraged by bacteria, symptoms of this disease include wilting because this disease hinders your ginger from properly taking in or absorbing water along with nutrients. The leaves wilt from the bottom to the top.
Despite the amount of water you give your ginger it will be water stressed, the rhizomes take on a water-soaked appearance and you may also notice a discharge.
Root Rot
Root rot happens when either you are giving your gingers to much water or the soil is poorly drained. Signs may include yellowing and wilting of the leaves and there may also be an odor.
As far as Fusarium Yellows, Root Knot Nematodes, and Bacterial Wilt there is no cure why it is so important to prevent these diseases by keeping your ginger plants as healthy as possible by following proper maintenance practices as with Root Rot ensure that the soil has good drainage and cut down on the amount of water you are giving your ginger plants so that the soil can dry out.
Ideas on where to install them
Here are just a few ideas on where to install the ginger plant.
1. These garden beauties can be installed as a backdrop in a plant bed
2. Use gingers as a specimen plant.
3. Line ginger plants alongside a wall.
4. Plant gingers alongside a fenced area.
5. Install them in a pond area.
6. Plant gingers on either side of your front door entrance.
7. Align them along a garden path walkway.
8. Place gingers in containers and place the containers on your porch or patio.
9. Place them in containers around the poolside.
Growing ginger plants in containers
When growing gingers from containers choose containers with drain holes and that is large enough to grow your gingers. The soil type should be a soil which is organic rich and well-drained which hold the right amount of moisture but will allow excess water to drain through.
The gingers which are being grown from rhizomes should be about 3-6 inch in length, the rhizomes which are chosen should have eyes or growing buds. Once you have gotten rhizomes of this like place them in water for several hours overnight.
After installing your gingers in containers, give your ginger a good soaking because gingers love moisture. But be warned don’t overwater which can lead to root rot, allow the soil to dry a bit before giving your gingers another drink.
Fertilizing your gingers with an orgainc matter or an all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season will work wonders. Place the container or containers in an area which is partially shaded. The gingers which I took care of as an interior plantscape designer where I worked at a five-star resort where care for in such a way that they were so beautiful.
Growing ginger plants indoors
When growing gingers indoors install in an area that gets bright indirect light to avoid left burn. Keep the soil moist and not waterlogged and fertilize with a slow release fertilizer. Keep an eye out for pest and treat as stated earlier.
The final word
Ginger plants are so amazing although this post was not about the edible ginger but rather the ornamental gingers. These plants are great to have as a part of your garden, landscape, and interior plantscape design.
These flower plants will give a look and a sense of the tropics which is so amazing, the ginger plant is a gardeners choice and is loved by so many homeowners so give these babies a try, I am sure you will be glad that you did as you get a taste of the tropics.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Hey there! I really wanted to try adding ginger plants on my garden but I am not quite sure if it is easy to grow. Do you know if it can be treated as regular plants or does it have a unique way of planting? And where do you suggest I can find a ginger plant? Thanks in advance for your response.
Hello John, gingers are so easy to grow and will bring that much-nedded flavor. You can find these plants at your garden center or plant nursery. For the care of gingers continue on to this link which has been provided hope this helps and all the best to you
https://staging-gardenofedengardencenter.siterubix.com/caring-for-ginger-plants#more-29044
I genuinely thought that there was only 1 type of ginger you could grow and that was the edible one.
I love ginger tea and it really is a cure for a lot of illnesses and is often underrated in my opinion, people should take ginger more often I think
The ornamental button ginger looks quite peculiar doesn’t it, is that what it looks like before it blooms or is that as far as it grows?
I do like the look of the red flowering ginger plant that you show here in this post though, they would look ideal just behind my Chic Persian Buttercups that are alongside my house
What do you think?
Hello Matthew so happy to see you, these are really amazing plants. These photos are only some of the ginger bloom they get even more beautiful than this. Go ahead and give them a try you never know the flavor they will bring to your garden area. Hope this help and all the best to you.
Until now I had no idea ginger plants had such pretty blooms! I’m always in the market for plants and flowers to add a pop of color outdoors and this just might fit the bill. I have a bare area on the south side of my house that previously had a few coneflower and Shasta daisies. It only gets full sun in the late morning and I’m thinking Gingers may be the way to go. These plants are not only pretty but contain loads of health benefits as well!
I’m so glad I found this article!
Hello Susan, gingers are really amazing from the edible to the ornamentals. These will be great to add to your garden and landscapes. So happy that I could help. All the best to you and have a good day.
I use a lot of edible gingers when I cook but I am not aware that there are ornamental gingers, they are so beautiful. What type of weather do the ornamental ginger like? I live in NYC so the weather gets crazy here, we have very short summer and winter is long. I also do not have the space in my apartment, I am happy to hear that I can grow them indoors. Do I still have to worry about insects when I grow them indoors? Where is the best place that I can find the seeds? Thanks!
Hello so happy to see you. Ornamental gingers are pretty amazing and do work wonders, gingers are tropical plants and love partially shaded areas. When growing indoors install in an area that gets indirect bright light. Check your local plant nursery or garden center for these plants. Hope this helps and have a good day.