Two big problems: Ginger shrub and macademia nut tree

20 years ago

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I have two big problems. The first being that my ginger plant is in a pot and I think it would be rooted into ground by now. I haven't got the strength to shift it so what are my options?. It also has some sort of pea vine through it. The second is the macadamia tree. Now This pohoto was taken from balcony of upper storey so I figure it is about 30 foot tall. The nuts are conytinually falling but I think it seems to cast so much shade I am not sure whether to have it taken down, trim it from below or just have it lopped from top. If other people trim it it will cost heaps. What do other garden webbers think?. Thanks jan

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Comments (6)

alisonoz_gw
20 years ago
Jan do your gingers go dormant in winter? If so I would wait till then to unpot it and break it or re-pot it, if that was your intention. I think any roots damaged at that time would be replaced during the next growing season. If breaking up then you can probably find the roots of the invading vine fairly easily& unravel it.
Though I guess I should say, what's your intention with the ginger? Did you want to leave it where it is or plant it in the ground? Sometimes they are better off contained a bit as they can get rampant and start pushing over physical boundaries.
jancol
Original Author
20 years ago
No Alison. It doesn't seem to change from one season to another and I think it's been there about 4-5 years. Jan
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bernard_qld
20 years ago
If I read you correctly, the ginger is sitting there for five years in a pot. If so, it will certainly have grown its roots into the ground. Judging by the photo, you plant is likely an Alpinia which does not go dormant and since it appears healthy, you must have either fertilised it frequently or it has already eascaped the pot. Alpinias are robust plants and will not suffer badly if you hack off the roots emerging from the pot and either planting it out or repotting it. Splitting the rhizome, however, is case for a very sharp spade or axe and hard work.
Regarding the macadamia, what do you want to do with it, why do you want to butcher the tree? It seems well formed, chopping parts off will not increase its visual appeal, maybe just leave it. Why are you concerned about shade?
jancol
Original Author
20 years ago
No Bernard. I don't fertilise the ginger at all. It does look healthy and tropical. I love the look of it but I just don't want it to be a nuisance to neighbours and also because I am concerned that the tap root might be large or do they just clump?. I have a water lift and don't want it to become a problem with that ie lifting the foundations or anything. With the macadamia, it is casting a lot of shade but good for the ferns that are underneath and it's not an unattractive tree. Can you suggest other shade plants that may do well below it? Thanks Jan
bernard_qld
20 years ago
Jan,
alpinias and most (if not all) gingers have fibrous roots and while roots may spread, they will not damage your house foundations. Also, most will not grow very tall (2m max) and should not exceed the fence height by much. Therefore, there is little chance of it becoming a nuisance. They will clump but will not form runners (though depends on species). For all partical purposes, plant it out and it will do well and cause little problems.
Regarding shade plants below your mac, there are very many. You could try other gingers such as Kaempferias or shadeloving broemliads such as Vrieseas. Some calatheas will also do well, Stromanthe burle-marxii is great in shade.
jancol
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks Bernard. That's a relief and thanks for the info about the shae loving plants. Jan

Two big problems: Ginger shrub and macademia nut tree

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Two big problems: Ginger shrub and macademia nut tree

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