Contents
Description
Roscoea Alpina is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to the Himalayas and can be found in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is a relatively small plant, growing up to 30cm tall, with a rhizome that produces stems and leaves. The flowers are tubular and funnel-shaped, with a range of colors including purple, pink, and white. It blooms during the summer months and its rhizomes are harvested for medicinal purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Roscoea |
Appearance
Roscoea Alpina has lance-shaped leaves that grow to be around 20cm long. The flowers are tubular and funnel-shaped, with a range of colors including purple, pink, and white. The plant typically grows up to 30cm tall and produces a rhizome that is used for medicinal purposes. The rhizome is small, around 2-3cm in diameter, and is covered in short, brownish hairs.
Care Guide
Roscoea Alpina is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers moist, well-draining soil, and should be watered regularly but not overwatered. It can be fertilized with a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. It prefers full or partial shade and can be grown in hardiness zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Roscoea Alpina is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure that the plant is not sitting in waterlogged soil.
Habitat
Roscoea Alpina is native to the Himalayas and can be found in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can be found growing in shaded areas such as forests and mountain slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Roscoea Alpina be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Roscoea Alpina can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and it is not overwatered.
Q: Can Roscoea Alpina be grown indoors?
A: Roscoea Alpina prefers partial or full shade, so it may not thrive indoors unless it is placed in a well-lit room with plenty of natural light.
Q: How often should Roscoea Alpina be fertilized?
A: Roscoea Alpina can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Q: Can Roscoea Alpina be propagated?
A: Yes, Roscoea Alpina can be propagated by dividing its rhizomes in the spring.
Related Plants
- Roscoea cautleyoides
- Roscoea purpurea
- Roscoea tibetica
- Roscoea humeana
References
- Flora of China. (n.d.). Roscoea. Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=129417
- Gingerwood Nursery. (n.d.). Roscoea Alpina. Gingerwood Nursery. https://www.gingerwoodnursery.com/roscoea-alpina.html
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Roscoea. Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/search-results?form-mode=false&context=l%3Den%26q%3DRoscoea%26sl%3DplantForm
