Shampoo Ginger Plant: Care, Benefits, and Growing Guide

The shampoo ginger plant (Zingiber zerumbet), or pineapple ginger or awapuhi, is a tropical plant with red leaves and unique pineapple-shaped bracts. It is easy to grow under the right conditions and offers many benefits.

Shampoo ginger (also known as pineapple lily or ginger) adds a tropical touch to the landscape and can be used in the shower. Its leaves resemble other gingers, but the inflorescence is where it becomes interesting. In autumn, flowers appear on bracts that resemble red pine cones.

As the name suggests, when you squeeze these pine cones, they release a clear liquid that can be bottled and used as shampoo.

characteristics

Shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) is a semi-evergreen plant that grows in large clumps up to seven feet tall and six feet wide. It grows in zones 9 to 11 and dies back in winter. The leaves are 20 to 30 cm long and lanceolate.

Botanical name: Zingiber zerumbet

Common Names: Shampoo Ginger Lily, Awapuhi Kuahiwi, Shampoo Lily, Red Pineapple Ginger, Bitter Ginger

Family: Zingiberaceae

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

Hardiness Zones: 8 – 12 (USDA)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Soil is rich in nutrients and well-drained

Soil Ph: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.7 to 8.0)

Maturity: 10 months

Height: 4 to 6 feet in fall

Spacing: 24 to 36 inches

Flowering time: Summer to early fall

Different ginger shampoos

There is no officially recognized cultivar of Zingiber zerumbet, but several cultivars and related species within the ginger family exhibit unique characteristics.

Zingiber zerumbet ‘Darceyi

This variety has attractive red bracts and white flowers and grows 3 to 5 feet tall. Its contrasting colours make it a visually appealing addition to the garden.

Zingiber zerumbet

‘Shell Ginger’ (Alpinia zerumbet): Also known as shell ginger, this plant has pink bracts with yellow flowers that resemble seashells. It is usually 6 to 10 feet tall and is often used as an ornamental plant.

Zingiber zerumbet ‘Awapuhi’

Known for its highly fragrant white flowers and yellow bracts, ‘Awapuhi’ grows 3 to 6 feet and is associated with traditional Hawaiian hair care practices.

Zingiber zerumbet ‘Dancing Ladies

This cultivar is notable for its unique pendant flowers, which resemble dancing ladies in skirts. The bracts are usually pale yellow or cream, and the yellow or white flowers grow 4 to 6 feet tall.

Zingiber zerumbet ‘Awapuhi Kuahiwi’: This variety, often associated with Hawaiian culture, has greenish-yellow bracts and white flowers. It is shorter than its counterparts and reaches about 60 to 90 cm.

Planting and Care

Shampoo ginger can be planted all year round. It serves as a specimen plant, border plant, or ornamental plant. You can also grow it indoors or outdoors in pots.

It is best planted in part shade or sun with fertile, moist soil. Ginger shampoo is moderately salt and drought-tolerant. Pests and diseases are rarely a problem, but you may encounter mites. Shampoo ginger is an excellent propagating plant as it is propagated by division.

Light

Shampoo ginger lily plants; they prefer full sun or partial shade and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

If you want to grow them indoors, you can place them near a south—or west-facing window, which gets the most light throughout the day. Even an east-facing window will do. The last sunlight comes from a north-facing window, so your ginger shampoo will grow best there.

If you plan to grow the plant outdoors, place it in a location that receives bright, diffused light for at least half a day. It prefers a partially shaded position.

Soil

Pineapple ginger prefers nutrient-rich soil with a pH range from slightly acidic to neutral. If you live in an area where the plant is invasive or considered invasive, plant it in a container with rich potting soil.

If growing indoors, add a standard houseplant soil mix with perlite, vermiculite and orchid bark to allow excess water to drain well.

Plant your shampoo ginger in a container with a drainage hole to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Waterlogging increases the risk of root rot and other fungal diseases.

water

Shampoo ginger plants thrive in consistently moist soil throughout their growing season, from late spring to late fall. Keep the plant dry during the winter when it goes dormant.

As a general rule, you should water your plants once a week. Water directly on the soil rather than the leaves to avoid fungal infections.

When planting, use a pot with drainage holes. Tap water can build up salts, so distilled water or rainwater is usually recommended.

Temperature and Humidity

Shampoo ginger plants are tropical, so they prefer warm, humid conditions. However, they can be grown outdoors in zones as low as eight and are more cold-tolerant than other tropical plants. Shampoo ginger plants will thrive at average house temperatures.

Temperatures should be kept above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, although these plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilization

Instead of fertilizer, they need more soil near the base as their leaves develop and grow. Because shampoo ginger feeds on the planted soil, it does not require additional fertilizer to thrive. Instead of adding fertilizer, renew the soil around the base yearly as new leaves grow.

Care and Maintenance

irrigation

Frequency: Keep the soil constantly moist but not soggy.

Dry periods: Reduce watering during winter dormancy (if the plant loses leaves).

Fertilization

Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer throughout the growing season.

Frequency: Fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks in spring and summer.

padded

Apply a layer of organic mulch (e.g., bark or straw) around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds.

Puring

Prune dead or yellow leaves to promote healthy growth and appearance.

Pest and disease control

Pests: Watch for mites, aphids and mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.

Diseases: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot or fungal diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ginger shampoo good for hair?

Ginger softens hair, reduces frizz, and repairs dry and damaged hair.

Can you grow shampoo ginger at home?

Shampoo ginger can be planted all year round and serves as a specimen plant, border plant, or ornamental plant.

Is ginger shampoo safe?

Shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet), or awapuhi, is primarily non-toxic to humans.