Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wilting suggests it needs more moisture.
Also known as Awapuhi · Awapumi · Broad-Leaved Ginger
Bitter Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) is an ornamental ginger with fragrant white flowers and cone-shaped bracts. It has a history of medicinal use in various cultures.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Protect from intense direct sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wilting suggests it needs more moisture.
Remove dead or yellowing foliage as it appears. After flowering, cut back the spent flower stalks.
In late autumn, you can cut back the entire above-ground growth to the soil level, as the rhizomes will overwinter underground.
Bitter ginger is easily propagated by dividing its rhizomes. In spring, carefully separate sections of the rhizome, ensuring each piece has at least one 'eye' or bud. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the rhizomes begin to fill the pot. Spring is the ideal time to repot. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bitter Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet)
Where Bitter Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Zingiber |
| Species | Zingiber zerumbet |
Similar in genus Zingiber
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
