Bletia catenulata

Also known as: The Chain or Regnellia purpurea Epidendrum octandrum Epistephium herzogianum Bletia catenulata f. caerulea Bletia rodriguesii Bletia catenulata var. alba Bletia catenulata var. caerulea Bletia ecuadorensis Bletia sanguinea Bletia sherrattiana Bletia catenulata f. alba Bletia repanda in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Ayacucho - Peru Brazil Ecuador Junin - Peru

General Information

The Chain is a large cool to warm growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru, Brazil and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-85cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-8cm. The plant forms clusters over time

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 114mm to 632mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 76% to 81%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 26C, highest in February (14C to 26C) and lowest in January (12C to 24C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

dormant-medium-demand-orchid Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Fertiliser can be applied heavily year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well. Repotting is best done after the growing season when the plant has died back.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.

 

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly Repotting is best done annually.