Cardamom or Elettaria (Elettaria) refers to perennials of the Ginger family. The tropics of Southeast Asia are considered the homeland of this herbaceous plant.
Eletaria cardamomum (Elettaria cardamomum) has its own special external signs. Caradamon has a thick and fleshy root, as well as two seeing stems - real and false. On one of the stems (on the false one) there is a large number of dark green leaves, which, when rubbed, emit a strong aroma with tart notes. On the second stem, leaves are absent, flower clusters with small two and three colored flowers appear on it. After flowering, fruits with black aromatic seeds remain.
Home care for cardamom
Location and lighting
All year round, cardamom needs diffused but bright lighting. On hot summer days, it is necessary to protect the plant from direct sunlight. In winter, additional artificial lighting will be required.
Temperature
The temperature conditions for keeping cardamom differ in summer and winter. Heat-loving cardamom in summer requires a temperature of 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, and during the winter dormancy - from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Air humidity
High air humidity contributes to the growth and development of eletaria. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically spray the cardamom with water at room temperature and wipe the dust on the leaves with a damp cloth.
Watering
During the warmer months of spring and summer, cardamom should be watered regularly, but not waterlogged. Excess water will stagnate in the root of the plant, which can lead to its death. It is advisable that the earthen lump always remains slightly damp. In winter, watering remains in minimal amounts, only to maintain the life of the plant.
The soil
The optimal potting mix for growing cardamom should be one part sand and two parts humus and turf. You can use ready-made universal soil for decorative leafy plants.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Fertilization for caradamon is carried out only in the spring and summer. It is recommended to use fertilizers intended for vegetable crops and apply them twice a month.
Transfer
Due to the fact that cardamom grows at a rapid pace, it needs to be transplanted annually. The flower container should be small in height but wide. A drainage layer is required at the very bottom of the pot.
Reproduction of cardamom
The seeds are planted at a shallow depth (about one and a half centimeters), ground with soil, slightly moistened and greenhouse conditions are created using film or glass. To create favorable conditions for germination, you need good lighting and an air temperature of at least 20-25 degrees.
When propagating by cuttings, the tops of the cardamom are cut off and left in water until roots form.
When reproducing by dividing the root, the roots cut during transplantation are sprinkled at the cut sites with ash or activated carbon and planted in the soil mixture.
