Bletilla – orchid

Description

Bletilla – There are about species of deciduous terrestrial orchids, in this genus. They occur in cool to temperate regions of China, Taiwan and Japan. They have short rhizomes that develop corm like pseudobulbs, partially underground, each pseudobulb produces 3 or 4 linear to obovate, folded leaves. Upright terminal racemes of up to 12 narrowly bell shaped flowers are borne from spring to early summer. Grow in a woodland garden or lath house, or in an alpine house or a cold greenhouse. Under glass, grow in soil based potting mix with added leaf mold, in bright filtered or bright indirect light. In summer, water freely, apply a quarter strength balanced liquid fertilizer at every thrid watering. Keep dry in winter. Outdoors grow in moist, well drained, humus rich soil in a sheltered site, with partial shade in summer. Mulch in winter or lift and store dry and frost free. Divide in early spring. (see chart below) Prone to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.