How to grow Arundina graminifolia? - Orchid Board

InspirChid1712 · #1 08-18-2008, 10:29 PM

I just got two bulbs of Arundina graminifolia (the "Bamboo Orchid") from my boyfriend's sister... she brought them from Hawaii. I planted them in some well-packed moss and put them in strong sun, but I'm wondering what else I should do, if anything? Has anybody else grown this species from bulbs? Will they root with what I have done? I'm not familiar with this species and I'm essentially quite clueless! The bulbs were rather small (slightly smaller than dime-sized) and I'm not sure what to expect... any ideas??????

Dorothy · #2 08-19-2008, 10:44 AM

isurus79 · #3 08-20-2008, 01:02 AM

While Ive never grown these guys myself, I do live in Hawaii and I can tell you where I see them growing. Bascially, they are a terrestrial that is found in very wet areas that have shallow soil that drains quickly. They also like very high levels of light. Beyond that, I dont know any more. Should be enough to get you going though.

Royal · #4 08-20-2008, 11:49 AM

I bought one here in a plastic bag off a rack in a big box store. It was the same size, just a backbulb with no roots or leaves. I put it in firbark and it withered. So I moved it to soil, and it rotted.

A co-worker that just returned from vacation in Hawaii brought me a couple from the airport. Same size, same packaging. This time I nestled them into CHC, just below the surface. They are doing nicely this time. They have been in bright light but not Cat light. I've read that establishing them from this stage is tricky, but once established, they will grow easily.

I'd say sphag is ok if you are growing indoors or in a greenhouse. Outside, sphag may stay too wet if you get lots of rain. Go with CHC if you have it.

isurus79 · #5 08-20-2008, 03:51 PM

Great advice from Royal, but remember, once your plants are established, full sun Hawaiian sun really makes 'em seem to crank out growth. I think Catt light (once the plants are established) is not enough.

Royal · #6 08-20-2008, 04:24 PM

Good to know, Steve. I may need to start the transition to a brighter spot. Thanks.

InspirChid1712 · #7 08-20-2008, 08:31 PM

I have mine planted in some wild PA moss that I harvested from my parents' backyard. We have a thick patch of it growing on the hillside, and it has proven to be excellent for Phals and Paphs. It is wonderful to have a plentiful (and free!) source of potting medium! It dries fairly quickly... about 4 days for a 6" pot. How long did yours take to show signs of growth? Mine get full sun till about 1PM, and then dappled shade through the rest of the day. I'm hoping they will sprout and prosper!!!

Royal · #8 08-21-2008, 10:20 AM

That light sounds good to me. It's been about one or two months and a couple look like they're settled in and growing. A couple (that where not nestled in, just set on top of the CHC mix) are still lingering.

I moved the two nice ones to a little higher light yesterday evening, we'll see how they do.

isurus79 · #9 08-21-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

I moved the two nice ones to a little higher light yesterday evening, we'll see how they do.

Remember, move them to higher light slowly! Watch for quickly yellowing leaves and spots. Orchids are like pale people: they can handle higher levels of light, but it takes time.

Royal · #10 08-21-2008, 03:30 PM

Thanks for the tip. But I learned that one the hard way early on!

Not a huge jump, just starting the transition.