Native Ginger Plant Care

Native Ginger (Citronella moorei) belongs to the Cardiopteridaceae family within the Citronella genus. Native Ginger is also known as Wild Ginger.

Native Ginger displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Native Ginger produces small, delicate white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Native Ginger every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Native Ginger thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Native Ginger in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Citronella moorei tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Native Ginger prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Native Ginger to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Native Ginger every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Ginger is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Native Ginger can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Native Ginger while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Native Ginger is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Native Ginger can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mucronata citronella plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Native Ginger is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Native Ginger grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Native Ginger as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.