Bletia florida

Also known as: The Flowery Bletia or Thiebautia nervosa Limodorum floridum Cymbidium floridum Bletia shepherdii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cuba Jamaica

General Information

The Flowery Bletia is an intermediate to hot growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Cuba and Jamaica.

Plant Description

Grows to 60cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic leaves that grow to 10-60cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5cm

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

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 elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 71% to 77%, highest in October and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 16C to 29C, highest in July (20C to 29C) and lowest in January (16C to 24C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

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.

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.

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.