Curcuma alismatifolia – Siam Tulip

Bring an unprecedented tropical elegance to your outdoor spaces with the Siam Tulip! This magnificent bulbous plant instantly mesmerizes with upright inflorescences reminiscent of the grace of tulips and the nobility of lotus flowers. Its striking magenta-pink bracts frame delicate small violet flowers, rising proudly above highly structured, deep green lanceolate foliage. Perfect for energizing your feature containers and patio spaces all summer long, it offers a refined exotic display with remarkable longevity.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Upright, stiff, deep green lanceolate leaves resembling gladiolus or canna foliage, providing a handsome vertical structure. Reaching 30 to 50 cm in length.
• Bloom: Spectacular inflorescences formed by brilliant bright pink to magenta bracts topping small, true violet flowers, blooming continuously from July through early autumn.
• Light: Bright to intense indirect light; protect from harsh midday sun. Prefers bright light to intensify bract coloration while benefiting from protection during midday scorching sun.
• Habit: Upright, compact, and exceptionally well-structured.
• Growth:Moderate to fast during spring; maximum height around 60 to 80 cm. Quickly forms an elegant clump during the warm season.
• Soil: Well-draining indoor potting mix rich in organic matter to prevent rhizome rot.
• Temperature: Ideal range between 18 °C and 25 °C; sensitive to temperatures below 12 °C.
• Resistances: Good natural resistance to common diseases and pests in well-ventilated settings.

Use

• Types of Use: Ideal as a feature plant in terrace pots and containers, along summer border edges, or as an exquisite cut flower for long-lasting floral arrangements.
• Decorative Benefits: Adds an exotic, luxurious touch, structured height, and an exceptionally long-lasting summer bloom.

Maintenance

• Watering: Water regularly to keep the potting mix slightly moist throughout the active growing season, without allowing standing water to collect at the bottom of the container.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer for flowering plants every two weeks from May to August.
• Pruning: Cut spent flower stalks back to the base to encourage new blooms and maintain a neat appearance.
• Repotting: Plant rhizomes in spring using fresh potting mix in a container with drainage holes.
• Propagation: Divide rhizomes in early spring before active growth begins.