Bletilla

The genus Bletilla (Bletilla) of the Orchid family unites 9 species, of which it is popular the only one is Bletilla striata. Almost all orchids are characterized by a kind of thickened stems called bulbs or pseudobulbs, designed to store moisture. Bletillas come from areas with an even and humid climate, so they have enough moisture accumulated in leathery leaves and a developed root system. Bletilla, unlike most epiphytic genera, are terrestrial orchids, so they are easy to grow in pots with a common soil substrate, and in the southern regions - in open ground. Peduncle height - 20-25 cm. Long leathery dark green xiphoid leaves with noticeable longitudinal grooves are collected in rosettes. Flowers are lilac in color, with a purple "lip", 4-12 pieces are collected in inflorescences. There are varieties with lilac-pink and even white flowers.

The genus Bletilla (Bletilla) of the Orchid family unites 9 species, of which it is popular

the only one is Bletilla striata. Almost all orchids are characterized by a kind of thickened stems called bulbs or pseudobulbs, designed to store moisture. Bletillas come from areas with an even and humid climate, so they have enough moisture accumulated in leathery leaves and a developed root system.

Bletilla, unlike most epiphytic genera, are terrestrial orchids, so they are easy to grow in pots with a common soil substrate, and in the southern regions - in open ground. Peduncle height - 20-25 cm. Long leathery dark green xiphoid leaves with noticeable longitudinal grooves are collected in rosettes. Flowers are lilac in color, with a purple "lip", 4-12 pieces are collected in inflorescences. There are varieties with lilac-pink and even white flowers.

Cultivation

At room culture, striped Bletilla is placed in a well-lit place. The pots are filled with enriched, rather acidic soil made from a mixture of peat, garden soil, beech leaves and sand, filled with complex fertilizer in an amount of 20-30 g per bucket. During the period of active growth, a liquid complex fertilizer (10 ml per bucket) is added to the water for irrigation once every 2 weeks. On balconies, terraces or outdoors, this orchid is planted in fertile, well-drained, acidic soil. For the winter, plants are carefully covered with leaves, straw, or other materials.

At room culture, striped Bletilla is placed in a well-lit place. The pots are filled with enriched, rather acidic soil made from a mixture of peat, garden soil, beech leaves and sand, filled with complex fertilizer in an amount of 20-30 g per bucket.

During the period of active growth, a liquid complex fertilizer (10 ml per bucket) is added to the water for irrigation once every 2 weeks. On balconies, terraces or outdoors, this orchid is planted in fertile, well-drained, acidic soil. For the winter, plants are carefully covered with leaves, straw, or other materials.

Location

In mild climates, striped Bletilla is grown outdoors, choosing a sunny place. It can grow in partial shade, provided it is protected from cold winds. In hot climates, a shaded and well-ventilated area is generally recommended. At home, the plant needs maximum lighting.

Temperature

In the open field, this orchid can be grown only in the south, where there is no frost or the temperature drops to negative values ​​from time to time. The temperature should not fall below 5 °C, otherwise a shelter (plastic or glass) is installed or sawdust, spruce branches, etc. are poured on top.

In the open field, this orchid can be grown only in the south, where there is no frost or the temperature drops to negative values ​​from time to time.

The temperature should not fall below 5 °C, otherwise a shelter (plastic or glass) is installed or sawdust, spruce branches, etc. are poured on top.

Watering

During the warm season, watering should be abundant. During the period of winter dormancy, it is noticeably reduced.

Transplant

In the spring, once every 2-3 years, the plant is transplanted into the same substrate as for growing.

Care

When leaving, damaged stems and leaves, as well as wilted flowers, are removed.

Reproduction

Propagated mainly vegetatively - by dividing rhizomes in early spring. The resulting plant parts are immediately planted in pots or boxes.

Diseases

When grown in the garden, bletilla is sometimes attacked by snails. To destroy them, metaldehyde-based poisonous baits are used. From frost the leaves turn black, necrotic areas appear. Don't forget to cover your soil plants for the winter. If the roots decay, watering should be temporarily stopped and treated with fungicides.

Land Orchids: Easy Care About half of the species of the Orchid family are so-called terrestrial plants. Unlike epiphytes, in places of natural growth, they attach themselves to the soil, and do not use other plants for support. Epiphytic orchids are more difficult to grow at home than terrestrial ones. Caring for terrestrial orchids, such as striped Bletilla, is almost the same as caring for ordinary houseplants. Without much difficulty, it is grown both at home and outdoors, in the open field.

Land Orchids: Easy Care

About half of the species of the Orchid family are so-called terrestrial plants. Unlike epiphytes, in places of natural growth, they attach themselves to the soil, and do not use other plants for support. Epiphytic orchids are more difficult to grow at home than terrestrial ones. Caring for terrestrial orchids, such as striped Bletilla, is almost the same as caring for ordinary houseplants. Without much difficulty, it is grown both at home and outdoors, in the open field.