Kaempferia

These tropical plants are found wild in Thailand, Malaysia and other warm countries. K. pulchra forms tufts of pretty foliage up to 6 inches high. The fragrant leaves are dark green variegated with pale green, bronze and silver. During the summer, small, lilac-pink flowers grow in short spikes from the centers of the tufts of leaves.

Pot Cultivation

These plants need a minimum temperature of 65 degrees. In cool climates, they should be grown indoors in moist, peat and loam or potting mix, with sand added. They need a very humid atmosphere and plenty of water while growing actively. They need a partially shaded location. Decrease the amount of water as the foliage begins to turn yellow and keep the soil dry during dormancy.

Propagation

These plants may be divided in late spring.

K. rotunda

VARIETIES

• K. Roscoeana (bronze-brown & green leaves);
• K. ornata (variegated leaves & yellow flowers);
• K. rotunda (fragrant white flowers tinged w/ rose or mauve);
• K. pulchra.