Bletilla striata seasonal help needed!

[Becca]

I bought a small division of Bletilla striata back in June. I have kept it in a west facing window and it seems to be doing ok. I had one new growth in addition to the growth it arrived with. Now I swear I saw another new growth peaking out of the potting medium. Isn't this thing supposed to be going dormant on me and losing it's leaves? Should I stop watering it? I plan on leaving it in the pot for this year, maybe next year I'll find a spot for it outside in a flower bed when I think I understand it's growing needs. If anyone can tell me what kind of seasonal culture changes it might need while growing it indoors in a pot I would appreciate it! TIA!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yes, it does go dormant. But before it does, it grows a new shoot. That new shoot doesn't do diddly until the next growing season, so don't water until then.

[Becca]

Thank you Philip! I think I have two or three new shoots! I was direct to an article in an old Orchid magazine by another member and that helped me a lot to. Our temps are unseasonably warm here for this time of year, so I went ahead and stuck the plant outside in it's pot and I haven't been watering it. It still has it's leaves, but I'm sure it will do it's thing. I was thinking of sticking it next to some seedling pine trees we have potted and covered in thick mulch for the winter. I would mulch it as well of course if that would be enough for it to survive the cold winter outside above ground?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I can't really answer this question to your satisfaction.

It doesn't snow here, but it does get very cold sometimes. There can be light frost in the early morning that melts away during the course of the day in the winter here, but that's not the same as snow.

If it snows where you live, you just might have to find someone who lives in an area like yours and see how they grow their Bletilla striata during the winter.

All I know is that they're frost hardy. How frost hardy is a totally different subject.

I grow mine on my porch, potted without mulch.

[Becca]

Great idea, I'll see if anyone else in my local orchid society grows these here! Thanks for the help Philip!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

You're welcome.

[stefpix]

here there are some answers. maybe you can write to that guy. in the ground is hardier than in a pot.

Bletilla striata