Thunia is a small genus of 6 species of epiphytic, lithophitic or terrestrial orchids found in India and South East Asia.

Thunias are biennial plants (grow vegetatively and bloom the first year and die the second year).

The new “shoots” develop very rapidly during springtime to elongated pseudobulbs, with alternated leaves and as a whole the plant resembles bamboo canes. The “canes” can grow up to a meter in height.

The terminal inflorescence can carry numerous large, showy, white flowers, with yellow and orange marked lips. The blooms open sequentially in summer, over a period of weeks. After flowering, the leaves will start to fall and sometime late autumn the plant will go rest.

The now bare canes will remain attached to the plants and serve predominantly as a food reservoir for the new growth. After they serve their purpose the older canes will shrivel and die.

Thunias are not very difficult to grow once you now their life cycle. Like most orchids, they appreciate a good shelter with good light and good air circulation. I am not quite sure if they do like humidity or not. A cooler dry winter, not frost, is probably needed.

Thunias can be propagated by cuttings, by division, by seed or from keikis.

It is always wise to read as much as you can and improve your knowledge, before you buy any plants.