Bletilla - asian terrestrial orchid

[smartie2000]

I recently got two Bletilla from Fraser's Thimble Farm and the marginal variegated Bletilla striata was first to bloom. They are an orchid native to Asia and can be grown outdoors up to Zone 6 according to various sources. They are referred to as purple orchids in asian cultures. They are also used as herbal remedies in asian cultures:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

Bletilla is used in Herbal Medicine (bai ji). When employed in herbal remedies, the tuber is peeled and dried in the sun, then cut into slices or ground into a powder.

Bletilla is associated with the Lung, Stomach and Liver meridians in traditional Chinese medicine, and has a bitter taste and cool properties. Its main functions are to reduce swelling and stop bleeding in the lungs and stomach. It is often used with gelatin, donkey glue and cuttlefish bone as part of a larger herbal formula.

Among the modern uses for bletilla are treatment of sores, ulcers and chapped skin. Because of its astringent properties, Bletilla is often used to stop bleeding caused by traumatic injuries, heal wounds, reduce swelling, and promote regeneration of tissue. When used with other herbs, bletilla can help treat coughs and phlegmy obstructions.

The typical dose of Bletilla depends on the condition being treated. Usually, practitioners recommend between 3 and 15 grams of bletilla, taken as a powder. Larger amounts can be applied to the skin, usually mixed with sesame oil.

Whole, dried Bletilla root is sold at many herbal shops, Asian markets and specialty stores. Bletilla powder is widely available, as are some decoctions that contain Bletilla.

Bletilla is incompatible with aconite root, and therefore should not be taken with aconite root or any formulas that contain it. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with bletilla. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking bletilla or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

I wonder if I have taken an orchid medication without knowing...

And truely these guys can grow in organic potting soil! Perfect for someone that doesn't grow orchids I assume.
I recieved them when they had already broken dormancy and hopefully I can have a higher flower count next year (or maybe there is more to come?), I believe they can produce up to 12 flowers. I have mine in compost, perlite, sand and fine bark and whatever the plant was previously potted in since I did not disturb the root ball. They also need a few months of dormancy to bloom (maybe three months at around 8C). This is a freshly opened bloom from yesterday morning and maybe I will catch some fragrance later.

I also have Bletilla Yokohama (striata X formosana) in spike and maybe it will bloom next week. I will post a photo in this thread when it blooms. I think it will be yellow or white based on the spike colour.

[Toddybear]

Nice pic Fren..mine from Fraser took two years to start blooming. You did well getting blooms the first year.

[smartie2000]

How long do the blooms last for you? I think my first bloom is about to wilt already

[smartie2000]

Bletilla Yokohama (striata x formosana) has bloomed, and with more blooms than the other one although the bloom does not open as wide

I think I like the first photo better but I also like the second one

[cb977]

Very pretty, Fren
Thanks for sharing

[Lagoon]

Lovely for sure

[thakshila smith]

Thats why I love orchids .Bec of the beauty. pretty.

[Neverend]

Beautiful...

[cupcake]

Oh I wish I hadn't looked at these! Now I want another species! Judi