Awapuhi, also known as shampoo ginger or wild ginger, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia that has become popular for its many uses. Though not often found at your average nursery, awapuhi can be purchased from specialty suppliers online and shipped directly to your home. This article provides tips on where to find awapuhi plants for sale and how to choose the healthiest specimens
What is Awapuhi?
Awapuhi (Zingiber zerumbet) is a hardy perennial herb that thrives in USDA zones 8 through 11. Growing up to 8 feet tall in clumps of long, green leaves, it produces cone-shaped blooms in shades of white, yellow, or pink.
The name “awapuhi” comes from Hawaiian, meaning “shampoo ginger.” The mucilaginous juice extracted from its crushed leaves has traditionally been used as a shampoo and natural hair conditioner. Awapuhi’s antifungal and antibacterial properties also make it an effective medicinal herb for treating skin conditions. Its young shoots and flowers can be eaten as vegetables.
Where to Find Awapuhi for Sale
Because awapuhi is not a common landscaping plant you are unlikely to find it at local garden centers. Specialty fruit tree and exotic plant nurseries are your best bet to find awapuhi plants for sale near you.
Here are some reputable online vendors that ship live awapuhi plants nationwide
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ANaturalFarm.com – Offers 3-gallon potted awapuhi plants 2 years old and 36 inches tall for $89 with free UPS shipping. Their plants are grown with organic methods in Florida.
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Logee’s Plants – Sells 1-gallon containers of younger shampoo ginger plants for $27.50. Shipping costs extra depending on location.
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Wellspring Gardens – Provides 3-gallon potted awapuhi plants around 3 feet tall for $95 plus shipping. They ship from California.
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Garden Goods Direct – Carries 1-gallon potted Zingiber zerumbet plant starts for $15.99. Shipping fees apply based on delivery zone.
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Amazon – Select third-party sellers on Amazon Marketplace offer live shampoo ginger plants shipped nationally, usually 1-2 gallons in size. Prices range from $9.99 for starter plants to $95 for larger specimens.
What to Look for When Buying
When purchasing an awapuhi plant online or from a specialty grower, look for:
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Established roots – A healthy root system is vital so the plant can thrive when transplanted. The roots should fully fill its pot.
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Good leaf color – Leaves should be fresh green without yellowing, spots, or damage.
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Proper size – Bigger is generally better when buying potted plants. A larger 3-5 gallon plant will likely establish faster than a smaller 1-2 gallon plant.
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Organic growing methods – Plants grown organically tend to be more vigorous and healthy compared to chemically grown plants.
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Seller reputation – Read seller reviews to ensure they provide good customer service and deliver healthy, thriving plants.
How to Plant and Care for Awapuhi
Once you acquire an awapuhi plant, proper planting and care is required for it to grow and produce well in your climate. Here are some tips:
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Plant in rich, loose, well-draining soil. Awapuhi prefers partially acidic soils with lots of organic matter. Amend clay soils with compost.
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Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Partial shade is tolerated, but more sun yields more blooms.
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Keep the soil consistently moist, watering regularly. Establish new plants well before allowing to dry out.
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Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and nutrition. Replenish as needed.
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Fertilize in spring with organic compost, manure, or all-purpose fertilizer.
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Stake or trellis the growing stems if needed.
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Prune back overgrown stems each year to control size and stimulate new growth.
Growing awapuhi for yourself allows you to enjoy this useful tropical herb fresh from your garden. With proper care, awapuhi plants can provide exotic beauty, herbal remedies, edible shoots, and natural hair care for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find an awapuhi plant for sale near me?
Your best options for finding live awapuhi plants are ordering from online specialty nurseries that ship nationwide, such as ANaturalFarm.com, Logee’s Plants, Wellspring Gardens, and Garden Goods Direct. Local garden stores likely will not carry this uncommon exotic plant.
What are some benefits of using awapuhi?
Awapuhi has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it useful for skin and hair care. Its juice acts as a conditioning shampoo and can treat dandruff, acne, and skin infections when applied topically. Awapuhi also contains antioxidants and can be eaten as a vegetable.
How big do awapuhi plants grow?
Given adequate space, light, and nutrients, awapuhi can reach heights of 6-8 feet. However, the plants can be maintained much smaller through regular pruning. When grown in containers, awapuhi typically maxes out around 3-4 feet tall.
Should I grow awapuhi in a pot or in the ground?
Awapuhi can be grown successfully both in containers and planted directly in the ground. Pot culture restricts the plant’s size but provides portability and protects the roots in colder climates. In-ground planting allows awapuhi to grow to its full size but requires outdoor space and warm year-round temperatures.
What climate is best for awapuhi plants?
Awapuhi thrives best in tropical environments with temperatures between 70-90°F and high humidity, such as USDA zones 10-11. They can be grown as annuals or moved indoors during winter in cooler climates down to zone 8b. Protect awapuhi from frost and freezing.
