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Peacock Plant Kaempferia

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Peacock Plant:

Phonetic Spelling
kaymp-FER-ee-a
Description

Peacock Ginger is a genus of flowering plants in the ginger family that is native to tropical Asia. The genus includes herbaceious perennials as well as annual rhizomatous species The genus contains about 63 species. Three species in particular (K. galanga, K. rotunda, and K. angustifolia) are noted for their essential oils and medicinal properties. The plant has few leaves, but the leaves themselves are often variegated and very attractive. Single flowers, usually white, rise from the stems. The genus is named after the naturalist Engelbert Kaempfer who lived in Japan and east Asia in the late 1600s and documented many of the plants there.

Peacock Ginger is a tropical or sub-tropical plant, but can be grown in a container indoors. The pot should contain an organic mix and you should water thoroughly when the soil gets a little on the dry side. Keep dry in winter when the plant is dormant. In nature, these plants can be found on the forest floor in low light. If grown indoors as a houseplant, it should be sited away from bright sunlight.

Peacock Ginger spreads by means of rhizomes and the roots often contain small tubers. New plants can be propagated by division of the root ball.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Peacock Ginger is susceptible to scorching on the leaves if exposed to bright light.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#low light#herbaceous perennial#rhizomatous#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#low light#herbaceous perennial#rhizomatous#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Kaempferia
    Family:
    Zingiberaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Several species are used as flavoring agents, spices and for herbal treatments.
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    India, Phillipines, Cambodia, Southern China, Tiawan.
    Distribution:
    Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Mounding
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    The rhizomes and fruits are generally aromatic, astringent, stimulating and also consumed as food because of starch.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Blossoms are typically white or violet. In some species, flowers are terminal on pseudo-stems; in other species, they appear on separate shoots arising from rhizomes.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Deltoid
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Large leaves are sparse and variegated in some species or purple in others.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen