The cardamom plant is a 5 to 10 foot (1.5-3 m.) tall tropical plant that thrives in partial shade. The leaves are lance shaped and may grow up to two feet (0.5 m.) in length. Stems are rigid and erect, forming an inverted skirt around the plant. The flowers are tiny, but pretty, in either white with yellow or red but another form of the plant may also produce black, white, or red pods. The pods are crushed open to reveal tiny black seeds, the source of cardamom spice.

Cardamom needs to stay moist and does not tolerate drought. In hot, arid regions, provide extra humidity through the leaves. Cardamom may flower 3 years after planting and the rhizomes can live for decades with good care. Move plants indoors at the end of summer in areas with freezing weather. Place indoor plants where they receive 6 to 8 hours of bright but filtered light.