Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom)

Description

Elettaria cardamomum or as we all know it, Cardamom – yes that’s right – the wonderful spice used in a vast array of delicious Indian, Middle Eastern, Arabic and Swedish cuisine.  

These fabulous tropical plants are members of the Ginger family and native to Southern India, whilst not hardy for outdoor planting in the UK Elettaria cardamomum make excellent house plants producing long narrow deep green exotic leaves held on thick stems.  The leaves are fragrant and can be used in cooking.  Although flowering is not guaranteed, given the right conditions (warm, spacious and light room), flowers may form on shoots which spread from the base, the classic seed pods which we’re all familiar with, follow on from the flowers.  However – the beautiful, fragrant, tropical looking leaves are reason enough to give this special plant a place in your home.

As with all house plants be sure to not overwater. Place in a light position out of direct sunlight and avoid positions next to central heating.