What is this plant ?

Question

Hello
Thanks for your interesting emails. I was wondering if you can help me identify a houseplant I have inherited!! I have been looking at various sites including yours and think it is either a Ti Plant or from the Croton family, not sure which. I have absolutely no idea how to care for it. I have attached a picture; it has a stem that feels “woody” and the underside of the leaves are a purple colour. I would be grateful for any information on this plant, like how often should I feed and water? and does it like direct or shaded light??
Some of the leaves went brown and died so I cut them of and you can see one of the leaves is changing colour; do I need to re-pot it or does it prefer to be pot bound?
Many thanks
Michael Ratcliffe
[e-mail]

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Answer 1

It appears to be a Kaempferia. This will prefer bright, but indirect light. Slightly moist, but never sopping wet soil, and warm temperatures.

It appears to be a little on the wet side, which has led to a fungal infection. You will need to treat with a fungicide. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

This article will help you with the care of the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/ornamental-ginger/grow-peacock-ginger-plants.htm