Hi! I am just cultivating my green-thumb... and am perplexed by the behavior of my ginger? Can someone tell me why the leaves look so bizarre coming out? Are they supposed to be curled up and bent over? Almost like they were folded inside? This is the second new leaf to come out like this, and I guess I just want to know if this is normal? I picked up this ginger on my honeymoon in Kauai and had it shipped home to California. I believe it's a Hedychium Kahili?
Here's another shot... it's hard to see I know, sorry? It seem the leaf comes unfurls, then grows downward and is either attached to another leaf? Or they are the same leaf? I swear, it's a puzzle?
And, then, finally, here is a shot of the whole plant.
Hi, it looks to me like the leaf is pushing up from the bottom end quicker than the tip of the leaf can be released. I wonder if its trip has had the effect of 'forcing' the plant. That is, like rhubarb, made to grow quickly by depriving it of light. I think it should settle down eventually.
I am interested in the name, as I have posted one I grew from a seed mix for ID. The leaves look the same, longitudinal grooves and a splattering of darker blotches like it has been rained on. It also looks to have a pinkish flush at the nodes. Do you know what the flowers look like?
Take a look at mine and see what you think
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/570983/
I'm going to guess that since you had the ginger shipped to you, it might have been bent in the box, bending the leaves that were about to open so that the part that was inside was creased so that it could not hold itself up after it emerged. Several leaves could have been bent in this way. If this is the case, as soon as all of them open, you should have no more problem.
Whether my guess is right or wrong, I can tell you, hedychiums are tough. They are the easiest plants in the world to grow, and just like the Energizer bunny, they keep going and going and going. For almost no effort they will reward you with beautiful flowers that smell better than any other plant in the world.
Your climate should be great for them, since they love warmth and humidity (and some shade).
Don't worry and enjoy them!
Kay
gaylams, yes that sounds right! I wonder if a combination of both? Like it was growing by being forced in the dark, and because it was growing and had nowhere to go it got bent? Also got a bit soft and wobbly?
Throwing ideas about gets the brain working doesn't it? They call it brain storming!
