How to Propagate Curcuma Domestica

Trim the upper foliage of the plant down to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground if the plant has not been previously pruned. This makes it easier to work with the plants.

Dig a trench around the Curcuma domestica, 6 to 8 inches from the stems. Place the shovel at an angle in the trench forcing it underneath the roots, and continue around the plant until you can lift the entire clump from the ground.

Rinse the soil away from the rhizomes using a strong stream of water. Cut away any dark colored roots and any damaged sections.

Continue to wash the soil away as you separate the rhizomes. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts to separate the various rhizomes, keeping a section of the stems, or crown, for each one.

Wear rubber gloves for protection as you mix fungicide to treat the rhizomes. Add 1/4 cup to a 5-gallon container of water, or follow the package instructions.

Place the rhizomes in the solution to soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Take this time to prepare the planting area for the new Curcuma domestica. Don’t rinse the plants. Continue to wear gloves when handling the rhizomes.

Select a location with growing conditions similar to those where you dug up the plant. Bury the rhizomes at the same depth from which they were dug, leaving the upper stems partly above ground.

Water as needed to dampen the soil, but avoid over-watering or causing soggy conditions that can rot the rhizomes. New Curcuma domestica plants will emerge in a few weeks when the soil warms.