Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus)

Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) plant with tall thin green stems and pink flower buds
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) tall stems with narrow green leaves and distinct pink flower buds.

Botanical name: Costus stenophyllus

Common name: Bamboo Costus

Family: Costaceae

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 8-10

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallPlant form: Large bush
Plant mature sizeMature height: 5-10 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeShadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade; shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Yellow, orange flowersFlower color: Yellow, orange
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage

Grown for its unique alternating brown and white banding on the stems, Bamboo Costus (Costus stenophyllus) is a large shrub with ornamental foliage that looks like real bamboo. This tropical beauty is known for its vibrant foliage and can be found in USDA Zones 8 -10. It can withstand short periods of temperatures as low as 30F.

When grown in a pot, Bamboo Costus is ideal for bright patios or other indoor locations. Keep in well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and provide additional water in the hot months, avoiding overly soggy soil. With the proper care, this shrub will reward your efforts with an attractive display of yellow and orange flowers at the base of a mature plant, as well as attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

Similar plants: Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus)

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Image gallery: 6 images
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) plant with red stems and pink flower buds close up.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) with unique red striped stems and pointed pink flower buds rising upward.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) pink flower buds with tall striped stalks in black container
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) pink flower buds emerge from striped stalks within a black container.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) green leaves plant growing in a black plastic container close up
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) with long narrow green leaves and sturdy stalks in a container.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) plant with long green leaves and slender brown cane stems.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) stems with narrow foliage in a black nursery container.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) plant with long green leaves and slender brown cane stems.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) plant showing multiple slender stems and narrow, elongated green foliage.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) plant with tan and brown stems in a close up.
Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus) stems with brown nodes and tan sections growing in a container.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/costus_stenophyllus.htm
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