Bletilla

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. China, Japan.

Description. Bletilla is an unpretentious terrestrial, slowly growing orchid with wide and thin, folded light green leaves up to 30 cm long and about 7 cm wide. Each pseudobulb produces 3 - 5 linear leaves. Flowers appear in early spring on tall stalks, small, pinkish-purple with a dark purple lip. Each inflorescence bears from 3 to 7 flowers. Leaves fall during the dormant period.

Height. Up to 75 cm.

Planting and care 

Temperature of keeping the orchid

Plants are kept in a cool room during the winter rest period, the night temperature should never fall below 9 ° C. In summer - moderately warm at 18 - 22 ° C. 

Home care 

A fairly easy-to-care-for species that is suitable for beginning gardeners.

Reproduction

Propagate by division in early spring, before new growth begins. Avoid dividing the plants too often, as they bloom best in tight pots. These orchids can also be propagated by seed or cuttings. Trim them with a sterile knife and place in well-drained soil, keeping the seedlings warm and consistently moist. Bletilla is extremely easy to propagate.

When it blooms

Flowering time is spring. 

Lighting

Provide the orchid with 1 to 6 hours of morning or evening sun. Plants grown in partial shade do not bloom or bloom less profusely. 

Substrate for orchids

Loves soil rich in organic matter with good drainage. The optimal mixture is 2 parts peat to 1 part loam and 2 parts coarse sand. It is advisable to add a little bone meal to this mixture.  

Feeding

Feed frequently during the growing season, as soon as the first signs of growth are shown, with high-nitrogen fertilizers in spring and early summer, then move on to more balanced fertilizers and apply them until early autumn.

Purpose

Bletilla is a hardy and very easy to grow ground orchid that makes a spectacular addition to any orchid collection.

Air humidity

Tall. It is better not to spray, but to place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles.

Watering

During the period of active growth, water abundantly and regularly with soft water at room temperature. After flowering, continue regular watering for the remainder of the growing season. During the period of complete dormancy, when plants begin to lose foliage, water much less frequently to avoid rotting of the roots.

Transfer

Only if necessary, for example when the roots have filled the pot too much. Try to disturb the sensitive root system as little as possible. Place pseudobulbs slightly below or at soil level. 

Pests and diseases

There are no serious problems with insects, and they rarely get sick. When kept outdoors in the summer months, the plant can be attacked by slugs, snails, and aphids.