KAEMPFERIA (Kaempfer'ia)

DESCRIPTION: 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.

POTTING: 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.

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.

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