Temulawak Plant Care
Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Curcuma zanthorrhiza, known as temulawak, Java ginger, Javanese ginger, or Javanese turmeric is a plant species, belonging to the ginger family. It is known in Javanese as temulawak, in Sundanese as koneng gede and in Madurese as temu labak.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Temulawak?
Water Temulawak every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Temulawak?
Temulawak (Curcuma zanthorrhiza) belongs to the Zingiberaceae family within the Curcuma genus. Temulawak is also known as Javanese Turmeric, Indian Root, Wild Ginger.
Temulawak displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Temulawak produces colorful bracts resembling cones or torches.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Temulawak?
Curcuma zanthorrhiza requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Temulawak Need?
Temulawak thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Temulawak in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Temulawak Prefer?
Curcuma zanthorrhiza grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Temulawak prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Temulawak?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Temulawak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Temulawak?
Feed Temulawak every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Temulawak?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Temulawak?
Temulawak can be propagated through division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to siam tulip plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Temulawak Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Temulawak, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Temulawak?
Temulawak is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Temulawak Need?
Temulawak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Temulawak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Temulawak is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Curcuma genus — compare its care with other Curcuma species on PlantoScan.
Curcuma is part of the Zingiberaceae plant family — browse all Zingiberaceae genera and species.
Temulawak thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Curcuma Species
Other Curcuma species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb., family Zingiberaceae (first published in Fl. ind. 1:25. (1820); Lectotypified in: Gard. Bull. Singapore 57. (2005) by Škorničková J. & Sabu M.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Temulawak, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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