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bletilla

Scientific Name: Bletilla

Family: Orchidaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bletilla: The Hardy Ground Orchid

Bletilla, commonly known as urn orchid or hardy ground orchid, is a genus of terrestrial orchids prized for its relative ease of cultivation compared to other orchids.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that Bletilla species grow from tuber-like pseudobulbs.
  • The plant's leaves are described as sword-shaped.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that Bletilla species grow from tuber-like pseudobulbs.
  • The plant's leaves are described as sword-shaped.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Bletilla
  • Common Names: Urn orchid, Hardy ground orchid, Chinese ground orchid, Hyacinth bletilla, Shi-ran (in Japan, for Bletilla striata)
  • Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
  • Synonym: Bletilla hyacinthina (for Bletilla striata)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to temperate regions of China and Japan.
  • Bletilla striata also originates from southern Japan.
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 5 (with protection) to 9.
  • Grows in open environments and woodland.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous terrestrial perennial orchids.
  • Possesses tuber-like pseudobulbs.
  • Leaves are ribbed, linear to lance-shaped or sword-shaped, pleated, and papery-textured, growing tightly along a central stem, numbering between 4-8.
  • Leaves are pale green and can grow up to 12 inches long.
  • Erect racemes of bell-shaped flowers.
  • Bletilla striata grows to a height of 0.4 meters (1 ft 4 in) and a width of 0.3 meters (1 ft).
  • Flowering occurs from May to June.

Cultivation

  • Plant bulbs 2cm deep and 15-20cm apart in a partially shaded position.
  • Bletillas grown in pots should be moved to a conservatory or unheated greenhouse during winter.
  • New shoots appear in April, with leaves opening in spring.
  • Flowering is best at the beginning of summer (June).
  • Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
  • Requires constant moisture; do not allow the soil to dry out.

Quirky Facts

  • In Japan, Bletilla striata is called shi-ran, meaning "purple orchid."
  • The genus name Bletilla is a diminutive of Bletia, a New World genus of terrestrial orchids, due to a resemblance between them.
  • One cultivar is nicknamed "Big Bob."

Further Information

  • Carter and Holmes Orchids care guide provides information on light, moisture, feeding, planting, and repotting.
  • botanyboy1's video on YouTube: http://botanyboy.org
  • laelsmoongarden.com for tips on growing Bletilla orchids.
  • USDA PLANTS database.