Sydney it will require heat for most of the year. In North Queensland, on the 
hot coastal belt, it should do well enough in an ordinary bushhouse or even in 
the open on a suitable tree. It likes light, but should be protected from the too 
direct rays of the sun. It must never be allowed to become dry and in Summer 
will appreciate copious watering. Actually it needs a warm moist atmosphere. 
Like most epiphytes, it absorbs most of its nourishment through the numerous 
aerial roots it sends out; therefore its pot is merely a convenient harbourage. 
The plant may be set in a compost of charcoal and crocks, with a cleaned old 
bone or two. A layer of peat or fibre topped with sphagnum moss will help to 
conserve moisture. A tall, broad hardwood stake firmly fixed in the centre of the 
pot will provide a suitable support around which it will wrap its roots. If these 
directions are carried out growers should have a reasonable chance of succeeding 
with the species. 
ARUNDINA 
This is a small genus of grass-like terrestrial orchids, only two of the known 
species of which are very suitable for orchicultural purposes. These two species 
are well worthy of growing by those who can give them something approaching 
their natural requirements. Unfortunately, the difficulty of transporting them 
from their native habitats sufficiently quickly to enable them to be started before 
they have perished has been one of the greatest barriers against them. With the 
speeding up of aerial transport between Northern India, Borneo and Java, where 
they originate, this barrier may be overcome. The plants require a compost as 
follows:— 
Two parts good fibrous turf, two parts good leaf-mould, one part clean sand, and 
two parts well dried cow-dung. Mix well and plant in pot with plenty of good 
drainage and mix in a few pieces of clean wood charcoal to prevent souring of the 
compost. 
Keep the compost damp even in the resting period, and give copious water during 
the growing period. The species best suited for culture are:— 
ARUNDINA DENSA. Native of Singapore, Borneo, Java, etc. 
Stems three feet high or taller. Leaves narrower and more pointed than those of 
graminifolia. Flower heads more compact than in that species. Flowers have 
violet sepals and petals, and labellum has a deep crimson border. Very sweet 
scented. Compost and growing conditions similar to those suggested for grami- 
nifolia. 
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