Bamboo orchid Arundina graminifolia
Bamboo orchid (Arundina graminifolia) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family, native to Himalaya and southern China through Southeast Asia, including Singapore (open, sunny slopes and roadsides). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Bamboo orchid in your garden →
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Bamboo orchid at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 43–52 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Himalaya and southern China through Southeast Asia, including Singapore (open, sunny slopes and roadsides) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇨🇳 China |
| Invasive in | Hawaii, Costa Rica (naturalised): check local rules before planting |
Is Bamboo orchid toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Orchids are generally listed as non-toxic; no data for this species.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bamboo orchid
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Bamboo orchid in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (16 plants)
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (6 plants)
- Na ʻĀina Kai Botanical Gardens (6 plants)
Questions about Bamboo orchid
- How far apart should I plant Bamboo orchid?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Bamboo orchid need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bamboo orchid need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Bamboo orchid?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Bamboo orchid flower?
- From about January for 43–52 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bamboo orchid poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Orchids are generally listed as non-toxic; no data for this species.
- What grows well with Bamboo orchid?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bamboo orchid. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical lowland plant: outdoors only where it never frosts (as in Singapore); elsewhere it needs a heated glasshouse.
- Reed-like stems with grassy leaves, tipped with pale pink-mauve flowers with a darker lip, a few at a time all year.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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