The Curcuma is known primarily for its ornamental value as a houseplant and cut flower. Additionally, the root of Curcuma alismatifolia and Curcuma longa is recognized for its medicinal and cleansing properties. Initially, the tuber was used to dye clothes, and later, its flavor, medicinal, and cleansing benefits for the body were discovered. The Curcuma belongs to the ginger family.
Curcuma longa is the species from which the spice turmeric, also known as kunyit or yellow root, is derived. The yellow-orange powder is made from the pulverized root. The most active compound in the root is curcumin, which is a standard ingredient in Indian curries and mustard. Curcumin is also known as the dye E100. For clarity: the plant is called Curcuma, and the spice is called turmeric. The Curcuma we offer as an ornamental/houseplant in the store is not suitable for consumption.
There are more than 100 known species found in Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Originally, the Curcuma comes from Thailand. The name is derived from the Arabic word ‘kurkum,’ which means yellow. Hence the Dutch name: Geelwortel or Saffraanwortel, and it is also known as the Siamese Tulip, after the former name of Thailand, ‘Siam.’
At florists, garden centers, DIY stores, home decor stores, and arrangers, Curcuma is mainly used as a houseplant or cut flower. As a houseplant, it can naturally be used to beautify the interior of the living room, kitchen, or study. As a cut flower, it can be placed solitarily in a vase or used in a floral arrangement. The unique flower shape with bracts and the length of the bloom make Curcuma so popular.
If Curcuma is bought as a houseplant in your store, you can advise that Curcuma does not like water in the flower (between the bracts) or at the bottom of the pot, as this does not benefit the lifespan of the plant and flowers. If Curcuma is bought as a cut flower in your store, you can advise that the consumer can enjoy Curcuma the longest if placed in a clean vase with cold tap water and cut flower food. Cut about 2 cm off the stem at an angle just before placing the flowers in the vase. Always remove excess leaves. In a cooler place, one can enjoy Curcuma for weeks.
There are several nurseries that grow Curcuma as a houseplant, including KP Holland, BK Plant, Forever Plants, and Richplant. As a cut flower, Curcuma is available from Villa Curcuma.
