Shade - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 2)

Once known as Vriesea imperialis, this plant is usually considered the signature species of the genus Alcantarea. A giant among bromeliads, it can grow to be more than 5 feet tall! It makes a wonderful focal point in any tropical landscape.

Alocasia sanderiana (Kris plant) is low-growing plant, native to the Philippines and will reach a height of about 2ft. A beautiful plant with flat, V-shaped leaves, deeply scalloped along the margins. The color is shiny, jet-black, with bold white veining. An excellent species for interior, landscape or terrarium use. This plant can be grown in either partial or full shade and does best in a bog or aquatic environment. It is also suitable for planting in pots and to be used as an ornamental foliage. This plant should be grown in USDA zone 10-11.

When caring for Alocasia sanderiana, it is important to provide it with warm and humid conditions as well as an abundance of water while it is growing. During the fall months, the water requirements can be reduced and the soil should only be moistened occasionally. Great care should also be taken when planting rhizomes - the top of the rhizome should be planted above the soil line or the leaves may begin to decay. For cold regions, it is best to keep this plant in a pot so that it can be brought inside during cold weather.

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' (Variegated ginger) is a small shrub native to South Africa that grows to a height of 2 - 5 feet. The foliage is a glossy green with white and off-white striping, adding interest to the garden.

When planting, gingers prefer soils that are kept moist, so watering regularly is important. In cold regions, it is best planted in a pot as mature plants are cold hardy only to at least 30s F for a short period of time. In order to survive harsh winters, the pot can be brought indoors.

To promote healthy growth, the soil should be well drained with plenty of organic matter. Fertilize twice a year, once in the spring and again in the summer with a balanced organic fertilizer. To further ensure the health of the plant, remove any dead foliage and flowers.

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' is a great choice for the home garden. The colorful foliage and variety of flowers make this species a great ornamental in any garden. With appropriate care and water, this plant is sure to provide pleasure in the garden for many years.

Galanga is an herb used in cooking, especially in Indonesian and Thai cuisines. It is one of four plants known as galangal, and is differentiated from the others with the common name greater galangal (or simply Thai galangal). The galangals are also called blue ginger or Thai ginger.

A. galanga is called laos in Indonesian and is the most common form of galangal used in cooking. It is also known as lengkuas and galanga root.

This fragrant ginger looks like a dwarf bamboo bush. This Ginger boasts dark green leaves with red undersides. Bamboo Ginger is also a fragrant ginger that looks like a dwarf bamboo bush with a great clumping habit. Perfect patio container plant. Prefers some shade. Mature height of 2-3'. Reaches 2-3' and produces flowers.

The specific epithet luteocarpa means yellow fruit.

Alpinia malaccensis is cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes. It is a native of Indonesia and Malaysia. An oil is obtained from dried rhizome. The rhizomes are ginger-scented. Likes a slightly acid soil. Tubular flowers in droopy clusters. The flowers come mostly in summer.

Alpinia malaccensis is similar to Alpinia nutans

The plant is quite versatile and makes for an excellent garden plant in USDA growing zones 7-9. It can either be grown as a large shrub of 5-10 feet in height or as a small shrub of 2-5 feet. Alpinia nutans requires full sun or partial shade, but prefers humid conditions and regular watering. Its stunning hot pink flowers, borne atop long flowering stems, bloom beginning in June and continue until the Fall.

It is a fairly salt tolerant plant, making it suitable for seaside areas. In cold climates, the mature plant is hardy at least to the low 30s Fahrenheit for a short time, although for best results it should be grown in a pot and stored in an area that does not freeze in the winter, such as a greenhouse or garage. Watering should be reduced in cold conditions and kept to a minimum until warm weather resumes. During the spring, the rhizome should be restrained or it will overthrow its container. Plants should be repotted in the spring if they outgrow their original container. Fertilize annually with compost or an appropriate plant food to encourage growth, and do regular pest and disease checks.

Alpinia nutans is similar to Alpinia malaccensis and Alpinia zerumbet. Alpinia nutans var. longiramosa is a synonym of Alpinia zerumbet.

Extremely tropical looking, one of the most desirable symbols of Tropics, Alpinia purpurata, red ginger, also called ostrich plume and pink cone ginger, are native Malaysian plants with showy flowers on long brightly colored red bracts. They look like the bloom, but the true flower is the small white flower on top. Red Ginger grows in Hawaii, and many Central American nations, including Belize. It is also found in Samoa, where it is the national flower, and is locally called "teuila." It prefers partial shade and moist humid conditions, although it can tolerate full sun in some climates. It tends to like to be well watered and not left to dry out. Ginger can also be grown as a houseplant and its cut flowers can be used in arrangements. Likes a slightly acid soil. Every other year trim to ground to prevent legginess. Blooms from spring to summer if there is enough humidity.

See Article about Alpinia.

Alpinia zerumbet is called a "shell ginger" or "shell flower" most commonly, because its individual pink flowers, especially when in bud, resemble sea shells.

Alpinia zerumbet is similar to Alpinia malaccensis and Alpinia nutans