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Tropical Zone Gardening: Firecrackers? What are these plants?

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    Communities > Forums > Tropical Zone Gardening
    Forum: Tropical Zone GardeningReplies: 12, Views: 259
    AuthorContent
    bbode
    Merida, Centro
    Mexico (Zone 11)

    September 8, 2011 7:41 AM

    Post #8798980

    They seem to be thriving among sanserveria and other green leaf bigger plants. They are 6"-8" tall and look as though an occasional butterfly has gotten stuck on it. Colors range from bright red and then become greyer with age. I can relate.

    They are hidden against a south wall under those other plants plus cherimuyo abd an annona.

    I'd like to stay with the south wall but move them out from under to show them off. When I bought the plant a year or two ago, there was only one "bloom,' and look at it now!

    Will I destroy it ifthe only shade is provided by golden cup vines and pitahya cactus? Travelers'ferns(?) would benearby, right around the corner.

    And by the way, what are they? What's the plantcalled?

    I live in tropical southeastern Mexico. Thanks, as always, for your help.. PS Can I post 2 photos?

    Thumbnail by bbode
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    bbode
    Merida, Centro
    Mexico (Zone 11)

    September 8, 2011 7:51 AM

    Post #8798989

    I continue to get error reports on this message. Briefly, I want to know the name of this plant and if I can plant it in a less shady place, aainst a south wall as it is now, however. I live in hot, humid SE Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. Any and all advice accepted. I have no idea what I bought for 15 pesos that began to grow enormously.

    As always, great gratitude for your wisdom.

    Barbara

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    extranjera
    Mérida, Yucatán
    Mexico (Zone 11)

    September 8, 2011 2:44 PM

    Post #8799503

    Hi Barbara, that is what is called Shampoo ginger in english, Zingiber zerumbet. I have it growing in afternoon sun and it is large and healthy. In fact, I have to cut it back all the time because it tries to take over the space. I think you could move it to a southern exposure without any problems, it likes more sun than some of the gingers and heliconias, more like the red ginger that lives in full sun. Mine is very tall, 2 to 3 meters high, and I have to tie the stalks to keep them off the path.
    bbode
    Merida, Centro
    Mexico (Zone 11)

    September 17, 2011 9:56 AM

    Post #8812228

    Ah extranjera! Font of much of the wisdom I seek. My gardener and I each moved 1/2 dozen flowers and leaf stems.
    We both have had successes and failures. By that I mean some of the leaves turned droopy and yellow almost instantly while the others flourished. Neither of us have had much experience except with this particular garden so we are kind of a trial and error team. I do feel a bit guilty about the 6 flowers--WHAT are they called?-- that we left behind in the relative dark. One has withered and died but the others are soldiering on. Thanks for your contribution to another conversation piece. Andale! bb
    bbode
    Merida, Centro
    Mexico (Zone 11)

    October 3, 2011 3:11 AM

    Post #8833805

    Yay extranjera! Washed my hair yesterday with a shampoo ginger rinse. Stll looks great this morning but it's only 4 am.

    One of my house guests tried it and swore it gave him soft curls. Who knew? But you, of course! Mil gracias as always.
    extranjera
    Mérida, Yucatán
    Mexico (Zone 11)

    October 3, 2011 6:04 PM

    Post #8834943

    I've read that the juice from this ginger is an ingredient in Aussie brand shampoo, I think that's the name it's popular in the US. Glad it gave your friend curls.

    Metrosideros

    Metrosideros
    Keaau, HI


    November 20, 2011 9:09 AM

    Post #8898554

    'Awapuhi / Shampoo Ginger is an ingrediant in many hair products, but I've found that it works best by simply squeezing the juice from the flower bracts on to the hair; massaging it into the hair; letting it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinsing it out. It leaves your hair soft, manageable, shiny, and smelling good!

    http://www.canoeplants.com/awapuhi.html

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zingiber_zerumbet
    BajaBlue
    Rancho Santa Rita, TX (Zone 8a)

    May 3, 2012 6:09 PM

    Post #9109327

    Metro, you sound like a connercial !
    pepper23
    KC Metro area, MO (Zone 6a)

    May 3, 2012 6:32 PM

    Post #9109363

    I agree!! LOL
    tropicbreeze
    noonamah
    Australia

    May 4, 2012 7:29 PM

    Post #9110903

    In Australia it's called Beehive Ginger, but I've never found any bee colonies living in it.
    lourspolaire
    Delray Beach, FL (Zone 10a)

    May 15, 2012 4:06 AM

    Post #9124375

    Hi.

    I have just got to get me some of them there shampoo gingers to restore my hair's luster, bounce and curliness!

    Take care.
    Sylvain.

    Thumbnail by lourspolaire
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    Metrosideros

    Metrosideros
    Keaau, HI


    August 8, 2012 11:19 PM

    Post #9235174

    The goo in shampoo ginger is also good for the skin!

    Add it to bath water, or stir it into a basin of hot water and towel it on with a washcloth.

    Aloha, Dave
    cyberageous
    Everglades, FL (Zone 10a)

    August 28, 2012 7:16 AM

    Post #9256744

    Good to see you, Sylvain! I miss you!

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