Also known as East India Arrowroot
East Indian arrowroot (Curcuma angustifolia) is a tropical rhizomatous perennial grown for its edible starch and ornamental foliage. It produces attractive flowers and is
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during growth, reduce in dormancy.
Well-drained, fertile loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost and cold drafts.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period in winter.
Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings for optimal health.
Prune to remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves as they appear. After flowering, spent flower stalks can be trimmed back to the base. Minimal pruning is generally required beyond tidying up.
Propagate primarily through rhizome division during repotting in spring. Carefully separate sections of the rhizome, ensuring each piece has at least one bud. Replant immediately into fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of compost, sand, and perlite. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of East Indian Arrowroot (Curcuma angustifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Curcuma |
| Species | Curcuma angustifolia |
Similar in genus Curcuma
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
