Shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet), also known as bitter ginger, pinecone ginger, beehive ginger, wild ginger, or awapuhi / awapuhi kuahiwi in Hawaii, originated in Asia and later spread to Australia and Polynesia. Traditionally used as a cooking spice, it is more bitter than common ginger. The plant's inflorescence is mounted on a spike and can grow up to 12 inches tall. The attached bracts vary in color from white to yellow, orange, or even red, often darkening as they mature. As the flower stalks mature, their color changes from green to orange-red, filling with gel and developing a fragrant, sweet smell and a bitter taste. The liquid gel squeezed from the flower cones is used as a natural shampoo and conditioner. Never buy shampoo again!!
Growing tips:
Sun exposure: full sun to partial shade
Fertilizer: organic or well-balanced fertilizer
Watering: water at the base of the plant
Growth: 3-5 feet high and 4 inches wide
Soil: Moist but well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Shampoo ginger is not only an eye-catching plant, but it also provides a natural, zero-waste shampoo, making it a great addition to a tropical permaculture garden! Depending on growing conditions, it can take up to ten months or longer to mature and be ready for harvest, but you can use the rhizome when the Shampoo ginger plants are five months old.
Shampoo ginger can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Here's how:
1. Soak the rhizomes in room-temperature water overnight before planting.
2. Fill your containers with equal parts soil and compost, then plant the rhizomes 2-4 inches deep with the buds facing up.
3. Place your new plants in a spot with bright, indirect light. Water the soil to keep it moist but not soggy until it sprouts.
– When growing it outdoors, choose a location with rich, moist but well-drained soil, full to partial shade. For a hot climate, it’s best to choose a location that receives sun in the morning but shade in the afternoon.
– When growing it indoors, you can use a potting soil mix with perlite, vermiculite, and orchid bark to allow excess water to drain. Place it in a south-facing window to receive maximum sunlight in the morning. It also needs a humidity level of 50%. If you struggle to maintain this level in your home, using a humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping plants can help.
We recommend using the old finger test to check soil moisture and determine if the root system needs water. Another useful tip is to water at the base of the plant instead of overhead, as this helps prevent fungal infections.
✅ The rhizomes or potted shampoo ginger plant you receive may look different from the photos, and the rhizomes may or may not have sprouts, depending on when you place your order. Feel free to contact us with any questions before purchasing; we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.
🥶🥶It is highly recommended to purchase a heat pack during the winter months, especially if you live in an area where temperatures fall below 40 degrees. You can include a heat pack with your order to ensure that your products arrive in good condition. One heat pack is sufficient for up to 24 plug-size plants or 8 plants in 3-4" pots. We encourage you to browse our shop and consider ordering multiple items to maximize your shipping costs, as it can be quite expensive to order only one or two plants. Ordering as many items as possible in a single shipment will help spread the shipping and heat pack costs over more products, making it more cost-effective.
Most of our orders are shipped through USPS, so we recommend signing up for text notification updates via USPS. This way, your package won't sit outside for long periods upon arrival.
🛒You can add a heat pack using the link below:
https://carolinalavenderfarm.etsy.com/listing/1606357906/heat-pack-thermal-plant-warmer
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the heat pack, please feel free to message us.
* * Please understand these are live plants. We do our best to ship the healthiest plants possible. If for any reason you believe your plants arrive distressed or damaged, send a picture immediately (within 24 hours of receiving your order) for a solution. However, I cannot do anything if you do not notify me of the plant's condition with photos upon arrival. Additionally, some of the pictures may show mature or blooming plants. You will receive what is described in the listing, not necessarily a mature or blooming plant shown in the pictures. By placing this order, you AGREE with our terms & conditions.
We guarantee live delivery, and claims must be made within 24 hours if the plant arrives dead or damaged. Please care for your plants promptly and contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We are here to help!
Happy gardening, happy life!
Caroliona Lavender Farm





















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