The information on cultivation that is presented here
is based on experiences growing this group of plants in
containers and in the ground in west central Florida
(USDA Zone 9b). There may be individual preferences among
the various species but as a rule of thumb:
- All species shown seem to prefer light to
moderate shade conditions although they can
handle exposure to early morning or late
afternoon sun without permanent damage. If
exposed to high light levels during the middle
part of the day the leaves will roll up but will
often recover fully when the stress is removed.
- During their growing season they appreciate
regular irrigation but can handle short periods
of dryness without apparent stress. Excessively
wet conditions should be avoided.
- During the dormant period the underground
structures still need some water periodically and
will die if left to completely dry out for the
winter. At this stage they can handle a frost
easily but not a deep freeze.
- All Kaempferias shown are summer growing/winter
dormant which ,in some species at least, can be
altered by controlling daylength. Longer
daylength will tend to prevent or delay dormancy.
- It is unknown whether there are any pH
preferences to the various species, they appear
to grow equally vigorously under moderately
acidic to moderately alkaline conditions.
Fertility levels should be held at medium to low
levels throughout their growing cycle. It's been
reported that maintaining adequate Calcium,
Potassium and Magnesium levels are necessary to
ensure proper growth and development.
- They have very few insect pests here in Florida
but slugs and snails can be a serious problem
though their feeding is rarely fatal.
- The biggest threat to their successful
cultivation in the ground in Florida is crown rot
which appears to be caused by the fungi Pythium
and Phytothphora. If left unchecked it will often
completely destroy the plant. Control measures
that work can include regular fungicide
treatments, planting them in raised beds and
controlling moisture levels if possible. There
are some species which are much more crown
rot-prone than others.
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| An
example of Crown rot. |
An
example of stem rot caused by Southern
Blight. |
- Because of their adaptations Kaempferias are
efficient with water use and develop relatively
small root systems. If they are grown in
containers overpotting and/or waterlogged
conditions are the two easy ways to kill many
species. They seem to prefer fast draining soils
that retains only moderate amounts of moisture
but are not allowed to dry out completely between
irrigations.
- During the growing season the humidity and warmth
of Florida summers seem to be well-liked by many
species.
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