Arundina

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia. 

Description. Arundina is a terrestrial epiphytic or lithophytic orchid that forms impressive colonies in nature, 70 cm to 2 m high. The leaves are linear or oblong-lanceolate, 9 to 19 cm long and 0.8 to 1.5 cm wide, pointed at the tips. It blooms in summer and autumn, the inflorescences are racemes 7 to 16 cm long containing up to 10 flowers that bloom sequentially at the tops of stems 7 to 16 cm long. The buds are 5 to 8 cm in diameter, mostly lilac-colored with a purple lip and a yellowish center; there are species with pink and white flowers. The bracts are wide and triangular. The rare fruits contain small seeds. In Singapore, the species is close to extinction due to the destruction of its natural habitat - tropical forests and mangroves. A plant without flowers resembles young bamboo.

Height.  70 cm – 2 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Arundina is thermophilic, optimally 18 - 25° C, decreasing to 15° C at night. 

Lighting

Diffused light without direct sunlight.

Care

Use a sharp, sterile tool to trim off any dying leaves. 

Substrate for orchids

Pseudobulbs should be half covered with substrate. Plants prefer a mixture of 40% humus, 40% dry bark and 20% perlite. 

Feeding

During the growing season, 2 times a month with fertilizers for orchids. 

Flowering time

In summer and autumn, with good care they can bloom several times a year.

Air humidity

High, place the pot on a tray of wet gravel or use a humidifier. Spraying may leave spots on the leaves.

Water orchids at home

During the period of active growth, watering is abundant and frequent, only with soft water at room temperature; reduce watering in winter.

Transplant

In the spring, every year. 

Reproduction

By dividing large specimens when transplanting in the spring.

Pests and diseases

Of the harmful insects, plants can be attacked by mealybugs.