Bletilla?

[peeweelovesbooks]

Does anyone grow this?

I'm interested in learning how to grow some ground orchids, and this one looks beautiful? Anyone grow it? Culture tips?

Thanks!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

For me they are easy to grow.

They are the easiest of all the terrestrial orchids to grow in the long run.

Will continue message later. Gotta run.

[plantaholic]

I have some in my front flower bed. Super easy. They like a north/east bed with good mulching, shade from the hot midday/afternoon sun. Mine bloom every year and keep multiplying. They seem to love growing with my hellebores and the invading strawberry plants.

[keithrs]

Super easy to grow.

I pot in compost with med. size bark 50/50 and a few red wigglers to help break down the mix. Fertilize twice a year with organic food and compost.

The only time I really remember having them is in the spring when in bloom because they require very little attn.

[Paul Mc]

Super easy. I've got two different kind in my garden and they are wonderful!!!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

They come from parts of China, not sure which specific locations in the country, but they definitely come from there, particularly the temperate regions of China.

I'm not particularly sure what kind of ecological niche they inhabit within China. I'm thinking they grow around forest margins - not certain.

Not sure if Korea or Japan has natural indigenous colonies of these growing.

A mix of well draining potting soil with some calcium added works. Mix of potting soil, perlite, dolomite (optional), and wood chips is all you really need.

Moderate to bright indirect light.

Temperature tolerant. It prefers being on the cool - intermediate range. What people like to refer to as a type "Mediterranean climate".

Don't expose to hard frost.

Evenly moist during active growth; dry during dormancy.

Repot once every 1 - 2 yrs only while the plant is dormant. Do not build the habit of repotting during active growth. Many terrestrial orchids despise this!

Summer active, winter dormant. Dormancy is distinct.

Blooms late winter - mid-spring.

Leaf span is about 10" - 12". Plant with inflorescence is about 12" tall, usually not more than 13" tall.

[plantaholic]

I live in eastern Washington state. My bletillas grow in my flower bed on the north side of the house and with a good mulch survive very nicely with temps going down to zero and below in the winter.

[plantaholic]

Oh, and we get temps above 100 in the summer. They do just fine in the semi-shade with regular watering.