Arundinaria gigantea aka Switchcane

Taxonomy

Arundinaria gigantea, also known as giant cane or river cane, is the only bamboo species native to the United States. It once grew in large colonies called canebrakes, covering thousands of acres in the southeastern region of the country. Today, these canebrakes are considered endangered ecosystems. The giant river cane is endemic to the south-central and southeastern parts of the United States, ranging from Texas to New York. Indigenous people found the plant to be economically and culturally important, using it as a vegetable and for construction and craft production. Bamboo is a common term for a large number of giant grass species used worldwide for various purposes, including building materials and paper production. There are two main types of bamboo: runners and clumpers. The switchcane, belonging to the Arundinaria genus, is a super rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow. It prefers well-draining soil and direct light, and is native to the Eastern Central and Southeastern United States.

Common names

Switchcane, Rivercane, Giant Cane, River Cane, Switch Cane

How to care for Switchcane

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Switchcane due to its easy-going nature.

Soil

Switchcane loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Switchcane prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

The Switchcane is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.

Region of origin

Switchcane’s native range is Southeastern N. America - Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Oklahoma to North Carolina, Florida and Texas.

More info:
Wikipedia