The Alpinia Zerumbet ‘Variegata’ plant is a herbaceous perennial popular for its attractive foliage and flowers.
It belongs in the family of Zingiberaceae (the ginger family) along with Zingiber Officinale.
It is native to Eastern Asia, particularly open woodlands.
Its variegated cultivar is native to India.
This plant is a year-round outdoor foliage plant when grown in its hardiness zone.
The synonyms of this plant are Alpinia Speciosa, Costus Zerumbet, and Languas Speciosa.
The common names include:
- Variegated Shell Ginger
- Shell Ginger
- Indian Shell Flower
- Pink Porcelain Lily
- Butterfly Ginger
- Variegated Ginger
Alpinia Zerumbet Variegata Plant Care
Size & Growth
It features upright clumps with fleshy, dense rhizomes, which resembles the culinary ginger.
This plant type has a rapid growth rate and grows about 10’ feet high.
However, when grown as an annual in northern areas, it only grows about 3’ to 4’ feet tall.
Long arching stems grow from the rhizomes with several lance-shaped leaves.
As the name suggests, this plant has variegated foliage.
It produces green leaves with yellow stripes.
However, each leaf varies in its variegation amount – some are green with gold or creamy yellow strips, and others are yellow with green-colored streaks.
Flowering and Fragrance
The Variegated Ginger produces inflorescence of shell-like flowers.
These are often referred to as shell flowers since the buds bear a resemblance to sea shells.
However, it is important to note these pink flowers don’t blossom on the plants being stored for winter or grown as annuals since it only produces inflorescences on old growth.
This unique feature of this plant, making it different from other members of the ginger family, is the way the flower starts dropping instead of rising.
The flower color ranges from pink to white flowers and often turns bright red and yellow shades in the summer of the plant’s second year.
The typical bloom time of this plant is the summer months.
The flowers have a slight fragrance. In rare cases, the flowers are followed by fruits.
Light & Temperature
The Shell Ginger enjoys growing in the full sun but needs part shade during the afternoon hours of harsh summers.
Even though it tolerates various light conditions, it is best to place the plant under a bright light.
Ideally, place the plant near a south-facing window when growing indoors where it receives part sun or filtered sun and is protected from the harsh rays of the midday sunshine.
The USDA zone of hardiness is from 8 to 10.
However, these plants might tolerate zone 7 when adequately protected during the winter season.
Watering and Feeding
During its growing season, this plant requires plenty of water.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but also ensure it is not soggy constantly.
It is not a drought-tolerant plant and will suffer greatly without proper irrigation, especially during the summer season.
Partial shade and regular watering will ensure the plant grows optimally.
If growing in containers, make sure to feed the plant every month with liquid food.
Soil & Transplanting
The Variegated Shell Ginger is not too picky about the potting mixture.
However, a well-draining and organically rich soil is recommended for growing this plant.
Provide the plant clay, loam, or sand mixture, which is slightly acidic.
Make sure whichever potting mixture you use doesn’t dry out as this plant requires moist soil.
You may improve the quality of the soil by adding organic compost.
Grooming and Maintenance
The houseplants grow optimal in humid conditions and under a bright light.
The lack of sufficient moisture, as well as harsh cold temperatures, may turn the edges of the leaves brown.
It is best to apply a layer of mulch around the roots to protect against cold.
How To Propagate Variegated Shell Ginger
The propagation of this plant is done using the division method.
- Use a garden fork or shovel to dig out a clump and divide the rhizomes into multiple parts using your hands.
- However, if the clump is too big, dig out a small section from the outer edge of the plant.
- You may use the rhizomes both with and without shoots.
- Use a rich soil mixture and add 2” to 4” inches of organic matter around it.
- Plant the rhizomes at a similar soil depth as they were planted in the original spot.
- Cover them properly with soil and water immediately.
Alpinia Zerumbet Variegata Plant Uses
The Variegated Shell Ginger is used to create a tropical effect in various types of gardens, mainly for its stunning foliage.
This specimen plant is also used as a houseplant, garden annual and looks excellent when planted in large containers and small groups.
It makes an eye-catching accent plant when placed by an entrance or used in a shrub border.
