This week’s plant choice is the Variegated Shell Ginger…
There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about having plants inside your home. I love the look of plants tucked into the corners of a room, displayed on coffee tables and kitchen counters, and gracing bathroom vanities.
Plants help a room feel grounded.
I especially love unique plants. Plants that act as conversation starters, and not something you see everywhere you go.
I’m always on the look-out for unique plants, and with this new series on my blog, I’ll share my latest finds with you. Here’s the latest find…
The links in this post may contain affiliate links. I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link. I only write about and share things that I actually use and enjoy.
Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’ (“Variegated Shell Ginger”)
The variegated Shell Ginger plant brings a touch of the tropics to any decor!
The large variegated leaves are interesting to look at, and the plant has a great shape.
Not only does this plant make an fun houseplant, it can also be moved out to a patio or deck in the warmer months, then brought back inside when the weather gets cold.
About the Plant
The variegated Shell Ginger plant has long striped green and yellow leaves that are quite beautiful. This plant occasionally flowers, and the blooms resemble small white seashells – giving this plant it’s name. The shell-like flowers are sweetly fragrant.
This plant is a very hardy, easy-to-grow plant! The plant is native to East Asia.
The best lighting for this plant is a bright indirect light. If the plant is in direct sunlight for too long, the leaves tend to turn brown. The variegation pattern is different on all the leaves, but you’ll notice the leaves get a more intense yellow with more sun.
Make sure to keep the Shell Ginger soil consistently moist, but not soggy. The leaves of this plant will fold up if not given enough water. The leaves open back up when watered thoroughly.
The Shell Ginger can grow up to 10-feet tall by about 6-7-feet in diameter. If you’re keeping this plant indoors, make sure you have enough room for it, as it’s a moderate to fast grower.
This plant is not toxic to humans or pets.
Why I Love It
I had never seen this plant before spotting them several years ago in a local garden center. When I bought them, they were about 4-feet in diameter by 4-tall, and over the years have grown to more than 7-feet in diameter!
The photos below are of these same plants, overwintered several years inside, and put back outside in the Spring through Fall. The urn planters they are in are 4-feet tall and sit on top a 3-feet pedestal on either side of our driveway – they make quite a statement!
While this plant may not seem like a houseplant, it does very well inside.
I absolutely love this plant! I love the large, long variegated leaves and I love the overall shape of the plant.
Where to Buy
I originally bought my Shell Ginger plants at a local garden center. They were $79.99 in a 3.6 gallon pot, and were about 4-feet tall and 4-feet in diameter when I bought them.
You can find this plant in the variegated form online at HomeDepot for $19.99 in a 6″ pot (approximately 1-1/2-foot tall). Or at 9EzTropical on Etsy for $36.88 (includes shipping) in a 1 gallon pot (about 12″ tall)
If you have more suggestions for unique or unusual plants, please leave a comment below.
