A pot that’s approximately 12-inches (30-cm) wide and 12-inches (30-cm) deep is usually a good option for ginger. Make the pot deeper if you are putting gravel in the bottom for better drainage. Make sure that your pot also has good drainage holes, so the roots don’t become waterlogged. You should have a fairly deep saucer to place underneath the pot to catch the water that drains.
Look for a potting soil that contains sand, which provides air space that helps the water drain out more easily. Perlite and vermiculite also help create air space for better drainage, so you can use soil mixes that contains those ingredients as well. An all-purpose soil-free mix is also good for ginger plants because it contains a high amount of organic material, such as peat, but also features sand, perlite, vermiculite, or a combination of all three that helps the soil drain effectively.
Make sure that the ginger root that you choose is plump and firm. Its skin should be tight with several eye buds on it. Eye buds are similar to the eyes that you’d find on potato.
Soaking the root helps stimulate germination, which is particularly important if you’re using a store-bought root.
If you’re planting more than one root in your pot, you should place them at least 6- to 8-inches (15- to 20-cm) apart so they have adequate room to grow.
The ideal temperature for the area where you keep the ginger plant is 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 32 degrees Celsius). Make sure that temperature is maintained even overnight.
If you prefer, you can lightly water the soil with a watering can twice a week instead of misting it daily. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Once you water it, make sure that the soil dries out about 1–2 in (2. 5–5. 1 cm) down in a small pot or 2–3 in (51–76 mm) in a larger pot before you water it again. [11] X Expert Source Harmony CorelitzPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 4 December 2020.
You can purchase compost from your local garden supply center or home improvement store. Look for compost that’s identified as multipurpose or potting compost. Those are typically the best options for potted plants.
If the plant’s leaves become yellow, it’s usually a sign that you’re overwatering it or the soil isn’t draining properly. Cut back on how often you water the plant and check the pot’s drainage holes to ensure that they’re not blocked. If the leaves begin to look dry or scorched, it usually indicates that the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to an area where it doesn’t receive direct sunlight and prune away the affected leaves. If the leaves develop brown tips, it’s usually a sign that you’re applying too much compost or fertilizer. Only apply compost once a month.
You can usually tell that the ginger is ready to harvest when the stems above the soil are approximately 3- to 5-inches (8- to 13-cm) tall.
Continue misting the soil with water daily and adding compost to the pot monthly to keep the plant growing.
