James H. Schutte
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Arundina graminifolia
Plant Common Name
Bamboo Orchid
General Description
Best known for its grassy foliage and beautiful, fragrant pink blooms, this species of bamboo orchid is distributed across the middle elevations from northern India to Sri Lanka, South China and Southeast Asia where growing conditions are warm and humid. In its natural habitat, this rhizomatous orchid is quite prolific and forms grassy clumps. In its natural habitat it is most commonly terrestrial (ground dwelling), though plants may also be found growing on rock faces or rarely in trees. This species may also be called Arundina chinensis and is considered invasive in other parts of the world, such as the state of Hawaii.
The upright blades of this orchid clasp the stem with basal sheaths, giving it the appearance of a grass or compact bamboo. In late summer to fall, tall, upright floral stalks appear which display showy, fragrant flowers that open singly in succession up the stem. Each bloom has a ruffled, trumpet-like labellum of rich violet-pink with a yellow throat. Two horizontal pale pink petals and one upright pink tepal completes the blossom. Research suggests they are pollinated by Xylocopa bees and possibly ants. The capsule fruit that follows splits open when ripe to release a multitude of fine seeds and looks like a brown bird cage in the aftermath.
Grow bamboo orchid in partial sun, offering no more than one half day of direct sunlight, and humus rich, sandy soil. It also can be trained to grow upon moist rocks or in shallow troughs filled with damp peat and fine gravel. The stems may flop over and may need support. Plant this orchid in groups for greater visual impact and cut the short-lived flowers for late season table arrangements. Over time plants will form substantial clumps.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
-
Plant Type
Tender Perennial
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
-
Width
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
-
Native To
Southeastern Asia, India, Nepal, China
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Average
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Medium
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Clump-Forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
Yes
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Cutflower, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical, Wildflower
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
Sometimes
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
