Zingiber zerumbet aka Shampoo Ginger

Taxonomy

Zingiber zerumbet, also known as wild ginger, bitter ginger, shampoo ginger, lempoyang, and pinecone ginger, is a clumping perennial herb that grows to about 1.2 m tall and is native to tropical Asia. It is commonly found in many tropical countries, including Malaysia. The rhizomes of Z. zerumbet are used as food flavoring and appetizers in various cuisines, and the rhizome extracts have been used in herbal medicine to treat various types of ailments such as inflammatory- and pain-mediated diseases, worm infestations, and diarrhea. The active pharmacological component of Z. zerumbet rhizomes is zerumbone, which has been widely studied. Additionally, the oils from the rhizome are used in making perfumed soaps. Near the end of its growing season, the flowers emerge from the ground and the bracts become a showy shade of red.

Common names

Shampoo Ginger, Bitter Ginger, Gamongan

How to care for Shampoo Ginger

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Shampoo Ginger, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Soil

If you're planting Shampoo Ginger, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Shampoo Ginger is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Shampoo Ginger will thrive!

Lighting

Shampoo Ginger thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Gamongan.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Shampoo Ginger plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Shampoo Ginger has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Shampoo Ginger displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.


More info:
Wikipedia