Curcuma (Siam Tulip) – Identification

Q: I love the flowers of a plant labeled “curcuma” I bought at a home improvement store. What should I do with it this fall and winter?

A: You have a Siam tulip: Curcuma alismatifolia. It is not hardy outdoors in winter and so must be brought indoors before first frost.

Try placing in a sunny window and taking it outdoors when night temperatures are above 55 degrees next spring. It hates soggy soil so I suggest you replant it in cactus potting mix when you take it inside this fall.