Arundina graminifolia aka Bamboo Orchid

Arundina graminifolia, the bamboo orchid, belongs to the orchid family. It comes from tropical and subtropical Asia. This evergreen orchid grows in soil, rather than on trees. It forms upright clumps from rhizomes beneath the ground. Its thin, reed-like stems give it a bamboo-like shape.

Garden plants reach about 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) tall. The RHS gives an upper height of 8.2 feet (2.5 m). Spread ranges from 3.3–6 feet (1–1.8 m) across the sources. Narrow leaves grow along the stems, with sheaths around them. They reach about 0.7 feet (0.2 m) long. Their green foliage gives the plant interest between flower displays.

Flowers open at the stem tips, one after another. Each stem can carry up to ten blooms. Individual flowers fade soon, but this sequence extends the display. Blooms measure about 0.16–0.26 feet (0.05–0.08 m) across. Their tepals may be white, pink or lilac. The frilled labellum has pink or rose tones and a yellow centre. Flowers can appear all year, with a stronger summer display. Ribbed seed capsules follow the flowers. Ripe capsules split and release fine seeds into the wind.

Give this orchid bright light, with shade from hot midday sun. It accepts partial shade and can also tolerate full sun. Roots need fertile, moist soil or a free-draining orchid mix. Keep the mix from drying out, but let excess water drain. Water and feed it often during active growth. Reduce both in winter, and keep the plant in bright light. It needs humid air; misting can help where air is dry. The RHS recommends winter temperatures above 59°F (15°C). Its UK hardiness rating is H1A; Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 11–12.

In warm climates, it provides a long flower display outdoors. It also suits pots, greenhouses, conservatories and use as a houseplant. Move pots indoors before the first autumn frost in colder areas. In frost-free places, plants can escape gardens and become roadside weeds. Serious disease problems are uncommon, though several sap-feeding pests may occur. Watch for mealybugs, aphids, thrips and scale insects. The plant needs no pruning. Mature stems can form small shoots called keiki after flowering. These can be detached and rooted in warm, humid conditions.