Caring for your new Bamboo Orchid Plant

 

Upon arrival, plant immediately or keep the moss moist.  Do not immerse the plant in water to preserve, as the bamboo orchid plant does not tolerate “wet feet” and will quickly die.

 

Plant orchid in a medium that offers good drainage.  A good potting soil will do.  If there is not enough drainage, vermiculite or perlite may be added to increase drainage.  These orchids also take very well to “community” pots; potted with more than one plant per pot.  They do well with about 1 plant per inch of pot.  For example, a 5” round pot can have 5 plants in it.  Keep the mixture moist.

 

While the plant is becoming established, keep it out of direct sunlight.  A north or south facing window is good.

 

Regular misting of the entire plant is recommended until the plant is established.  Twice a day is adequate; once in the morning and once at night with a regular spray bottle should be about right.

 

Once established, apply any orchid fertilizer according to instructions on package.

 

Once the plant is established, move the plant to an area with good sunlight.  This orchid, unlike most orchids, is a full sun plant and does well with direct sunlight.  It can handle temperatures from about 50* F to 95* F (higher temperatures are better with humidity), and can survive with little water for periods of time.  Be sure, however, to always keep the plant out of areas where it will be sitting in saturated soil for more than a day or so.

 

However, please keep in mind that this is a tropical plant.  Do not allow the plant to go through a frost.

 

Lastly, please keep in mind that this is a resilient plant.  The plants you will receive may be yellowing.  This is okay.  Your target is not the initial plant you receive.  What you want to watch for is the bulb.  You do not want to damage the bulb.  The initial plant may die, but what you want anyway is the shoot that comes from the bulb, as this is the strong plant that will provide flowers.