Bamboo Orchid
Arundina graminifolia
Family: Orchidaceae · Also called Bird Orchid, Reed Orchid, Grass Orchid, Cymbidium bambusifolium, Arundina bambusifolia, Bletia graminifolia
Green & Fresh · Spring–Autumn bloomer
The bamboo orchid defies orchid stereotypes, instead of clinging to trees in humid jungles, it grows in open ground like tall grass, sending up reed-like stems topped with cattleya-like flowers in pink and white. It blooms nearly year-round in the tropics, each flower lasting just a day but replacements opening continuously.
grace, refinement, resilience
In the Victorian language of flowers, bamboo orchid means “Grace under pressure”. One of few orchids that grows terrestrially in open ground rather than as an epiphyte. In Singapore, it's commonly found along highway medians and park edges, a beautiful orchid masquerading as an ordinary grass until it flowers. It's the parent of several tropical landscape orchid hybrids.
Did You Know?
Unlike most orchids that need specialized growing conditions, bamboo orchid is extraordinarily tough, it colonizes road cuts, landslides, and disturbed ground throughout tropical Asia. It's one of the few orchids that can be grown as a landscape plant rather than a pampered specimen. Each flower lasts only one day, but new buds open daily for months.
Grassy slopes, road cuts, and disturbed ground from sea level to 2,800m in tropical Asia
Bamboo Orchid is native to Southeast Asia, Southern China. It naturally grows in grassy slopes, road cuts, and disturbed ground from sea level to 2,800m in tropical asia.
Scent Profile
“A faint, sweet note reminiscent of cattleya orchids, subtle and best noticed in the morning. Most of the plant's appeal is its continuous tropical bloom and elegant grass-like foliage.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameArundina graminifolia
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- Native ToSoutheast Asia, Southern China
- Bloom SeasonSpring–Autumn
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
One of few orchids that grows terrestrially in open ground rather than as an epiphyte. In Singapore, it's commonly found along highway medians and park edges, a beautiful orchid masquerading as an ordinary grass until it flowers. It's the parent of several tropical landscape orchid hybrids.