Selling Size: Single Plant | 2.5"-4" Pot Included | Secure Packing
Curcuma Purple (often called Siam Tulip or Summer Tulip) is a beautiful, tropical perennial from the ginger family. It is known for its showy, long-lasting flowers.
Here is a comprehensive guide to caring for your Curcuma Purple :
1. Light
Category
Care Recommendations
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal for best flowering. It can tolerate a few hours of direct morning sun, but you must protect it from intense, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. In shadier spots, the flowers may be less vibrant.
Humidity
As a tropical plant, it loves high humidity. Indoors, you can boost humidity by misting, placing it on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier.
2. Watering and Soil
Category
Care Recommendations
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season (spring and summer). Do not let the soil dry out. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. The key is to keep it moist, but never soggy, as this leads to rhizome (root) rot.
Soil
Use a rich, well-draining, and moisture-retentive potting mix. A mix with a high amount of organic matter (like compost or peat moss) and something to aid drainage (like perlite or coarse sand) is perfect.
Fertilizing
Feed regularly during the growing season (spring through late summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks. Stop fertilizing completely when the plant begins to enter dormancy in the fall.
3. Dormancy and Winter Care
Curcuma plants are rhizomatous and naturally go through a dormant period in the cooler, drier months (typically late fall/winter) to prepare for the next season's bloom.
Scenario
Winter Care (Dormancy)
Starting Dormancy
In autumn, the leaves will naturally start to yellow and die back. This is normal. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing completely.
Cold Climates (Bringing Indoors)
Once the foliage has died back, cut the stems to the ground. You have two options for the rhizomes: 1. Store the pot: Place the entire pot in a cool, dark, and dry location (like a basement or garage) where temperatures stay above freezing (around $50-60^\circ\text{F}$). Water very, very sparingly once a month to prevent the rhizomes from completely shriveling. 2. Dig and Store: Dig up the rhizomes, let them air-dry for a day, and then store them in a box of peat moss or sawdust in a cool, dry place until spring.
Warm Climates
If you live in an area that does not freeze (USDA Zone 8-11), you can leave the rhizomes in the ground. They will still go dormant, and the leaves will die back. Reduce or stop watering during this time.
Waking Up
In the spring, once temperatures are consistently warm, resume watering lightly. New shoots will emerge from the rhizomes, and you can begin your regular watering and fertilizing schedule.
4. Pruning and Maintenance
Deadheading: Remove spent flower stalks to keep the plant tidy and redirect the plant's energy toward new growth.
Pruning: Remove any old, yellowed, or damaged leaves throughout the season.
Propagation: The easiest way to get new plants is by dividing the rhizomes in the early spring before new growth emerges. Make sure each section has at least a few 'eyes' or buds.
