About
Arundina graminifolia is a sizable tropical orchid characterized by its grass-like form, forming dense clusters of slender stems that can reach heights of up to 2 meters. The leaves are arranged alternately, resembling bamboo, with each leaf being approximately 20 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. This orchid produces a sequence of up to ten flowers, which emerge individually from the stem tips. While the blooms are ephemeral, their staggered opening extends the overall flowering period. Each flower has a diameter ranging from 5 to 8 centimeters.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Tufted, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Native to
- Himalaya, W China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a free-draining orchid mix. Provide bright light conditions, but shade from hot, direct mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum 28 °C during summer daytime. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season and ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting in wet. Provide enough humidity by regular misting. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months and keep in a bright, sunny position. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. See also indoor orchid cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed is only possible in controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants produce sideshoots (keiki) from tips of flowered stems. These can be removed and potted into free-draining orchid propagation mix. Place potted keiki in a bright, humid and warm location to root
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, thrips and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free