Curcuma is a tropical plant family with large, attractive foliage, colorful flowers and large tuberous rhizomes. Perhaps the most well-known member of the curcuma family is Curcuma longa, whose root is harvested and dried to make turmeric powder. Connoisseurs of this flavor often grow it in their gardens. But most grow curcuma for its ornamental value. And because they have such specific temperature demands, they're often grown indoors in pots.
Wash a 4- to 6-inch pot with soap and water and allow it to dry.
Fill the pot to within 1/2 inch of its lip with organic potting soil (peat/perlite mixtures are ideal) with neutral pH.
Inspect the rhizomes you intend to plant for signs of damage or disease. Be careful not to break or damage the rhizomes or they will take longer to germinate. Throw away any diseased rhizomes.
Plant the curcuma rhizome so that it is covered with about 1 inch of soil.
Fill the pot's tray with small pebbles. Set the curcuma's pot on top of it.
Water the soil until water comes out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the plant and into the pebble tray. Continue to keep the soil moist (but not soaking) until the curcuma germinates in roughly 40 days.
Place the plant somewhere where it will receive indirect sunlight and remain at room temperature. Keep the pot away from heat-emitting vents or electrical appliances and drafty windows or doorways.