Bletilla striata

Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f.

Tribe: Arethuseae

Subtribe: Bletiinae

Temperature: C.I

Country: Eastern Himalayas, China and Japan

Common name: Chinese ground orchid

Bletilla striata is one of nine species which occur in eastern Asia. All species bear beautiful, plicate leaves which are deciduous in winter. They are terrestrials forming an ovoid pseudobulb which is usually found under the surface of the substrate they are growing in. They are found in full sun to lightly sheltered conditions and should be grown in a similar environment in cultivation. They tolerate very cold conditions in winter but watering should be greatly reduced (possibly withheld) when they lose their leaves until first signs of new growth in warmer months.

Flowering occurs in spring with the onset of new leaves and care should be taken not to overwater at this stage. A well drained terrestrial mix is best and they should be repotted and divided annually to encourage healthy conditions and increase your collection.