Hawaiian Bamboo Orchid Potting Mediums

Hawaiian Bamboo Orchids

• Hawaiian bamboo orchids, or Arundia babusifolia, hail from the forests and fields of Hawaii. They bear ruffled pink and cream cattleyalike flowers on tall, reedlike stems. Foliage is also long and slender. These plants grow to 5 feet in height at full maturity.

Pots

• Put Hawaiian bamboo orchids in deep, heavy pots with drainage holes to give them balance and drainage. These tall plants tip easily and rot in standing water or muddy soil. The plants thrive in crowded community situations, with 1 to 2 inches of soil per plant.

Potting Medium

• As terrestrial orchids, Hawaiian bamboo orchids grow like cattleyas. They sprout from round pseudo bulbs and grow in terrestrial, or inground, locations. Use quick-draining potting soil mixed with peat moss, fern matter, vermiculite, perlite or gravel to give the orchids rich nutrition and quick drainage.

Additional Care

• Young Hawaiian bamboo orchids thrive in the bright indirect light of north- and south-facing windows. Move the orchids to full sunshine when they establish and display healthy new growth. Water Hawaiian bamboo orchids with 1 inch of water every other day and mist the plants every day to maintain humidity. These plants thrive in temperatures of 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoy monthly feedings with water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer.