Boesenbergia rotunda - Chinese Keys Ginger


Boesenbergia rotunda - Chinese Keys Ginger

Small plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersUnusual colorWhite, off-white flowersPink flowersEdible plantPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Chinese ginger, Fingerroot. Boesenbergia rotunda is a medicinal and culinary herb from China and Southeast Asia. It is widely used in Javanese cuisine in Indonesia. In Thai cooking it is called krachai. In the west it is usually found pickled or frozen. Kra Chai is used as an antiflatulent, expels air and nurtures strength. Used as a male tonic, vigor, health promotion, longevity, aphrodisiac.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
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500 ml (16 oz)
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32 oz (1 qt, 946 ml)
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Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot, dormant in winter
In stock
$29.95

Plant type
Fruit or edible plant
Fruit type
Fruit or edible plant
Plant form ?
Small plant
Mature height ?
2-5 ft tall
Sun exposure
Semi-shade
USDA zone ?
Zone 9-11.
Hardiness ?
Protect from freezing.
Watering
Moderate watering, Regular watering
Flower color
Pink flowers, White and off-white flowers, Yellow, orange flowers, Unusual color flowers
Growing conditions
Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone, Small backyard, Pot-growing, Indoors
Butterfly attractor
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds
Ethnomedical
Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements or products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All customers should consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals, or medicines.
More information

This item is certified for shipping to California, Texas, Louisiana.

Boesenbergia rotunda - Chinese Keys Ginger: Planting and Care Instructions

Plant Overview

Growth habit: This is a small herbaceous plant, growing between 2 and 5 feet. It is great for flower beds, pots, or small garden spots.

Growing conditions: This plant can be grown outdoors in the suitable USDA zone. It is well-suited for small backyards, pots, or indoor spaces with enough light.

Watering: This plant does best with moderate to regular watering. Water it regularly, but let the top layer dry slightly between waterings.

Sun exposure: This plant prefers semi-shade. It grows well in places that get filtered sunlight or partial sun during the day.

USDA Zone: Zone 9-11. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map categorizes North America into zones based on average annual minimum winter temperatures, each differing by 10 °F. This map serves as a basic guide for selecting appropriate plants for a region. However, it's not definitive; plant varieties vary in cold tolerance, and young plants typically need more protection. Additionally, local microclimates, like sheltered areas or sunny spots, can influence plant health and survivability beyond the general zone recommendation.

Hardiness: Protect from freezing. Plant hardiness indicates the coldest temperature a mature plant can endure briefly while staying healthy. This rating is a guideline and can vary among varieties of the same species. Young plants often need more cold protection. Additionally, a plant's survival can be enhanced by the microclimate of its location, which may provide shelter from wind or extra warmth, allowing it to thrive beyond its typical hardiness range.

Plant type: This is a fruit tree. With proper care, it will grow tasty delicious delicious fruits.

Flower color: This plant produces pink, white and off-white, yellow or orange, and unusual-colored flowers during its blooming season.

Butterfly attractor: This plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Ethnomedicinal: This plant has ethnomedical uses and has been traditionally valued in folk or indigenous medicine. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements or products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All customers should consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals, or medicines.

Outdoor planting

Select a planting spot that fits the plant sun and moisture needs. Loosen the soil and mix in compost or organic matter to improve poor soil. Dig a hole just slightly larger than the root ball and avoid planting deeper than it was before. For better drainage, the top of the root ball can sit slightly above the surrounding soil. Provide temporary shade at first if conditions are hot or sunny. Water regularly and monitor soil moisture until the plant is well rooted. nAdd mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and reduce weeds. Shape the mulch to form a shallow basin for water, but keep mulch away from the stem.

Indoor planting

Use a container with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil - avoid planting too deep. A slow-release fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at planting time to support healthy growth. Place the plant in a location that matches its light needs, and water according to its care requirements. Be careful not to overwater, and ensure good airflow around the plant to reduce the risk of pests and disease.

Protecting Plants in Winter

When it gets cold, some plants need extra help. You can move potted plants indoors or under a covered patio. Young plants need extra protection because they are more sensitive to cold and less established. For plants in the ground, use frost cloth to keep them warm. Stop using fertilizer in late fall so plants can rest. Try to place plants in areas protected from cold wind, rain, and frost.

Cold Hardiness and Microclimates

USDA zone and hardiness are only general guidelines. Actual cold tolerance can vary based on plant variety and local conditions. Even small differences between varieties can matter. Also, warmer spots in your yard—like near a wall or fence—can help plants survive cold nights. These little warm areas are called microclimates, and they make a big difference.

Outdoor and indoor planting instructions