Bletilla formosana

Also known as: The Formosan Bletilla or Bletilla formosana h.f. alba Bletia morrisonicola Jimensia kotoensis Jimensia szetschuanica Jimensia morrisonicola Jimensia yunnanensis Bletilla striata var. kotoensis Bletilla morrisonicola Bletilla kotoensis Bletilla formosana f. kotoensis Bletia kotoensis Bletilla formosana f. rubrolabella Bletilla szetschuanica Bletilla yunnanensis Bletilla yunnanensis var. limprichtii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Formosan Bletilla is a cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Grows to 12-60cm. Each new growth has numerous arching leaves that grow to 0.8-50cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 74mm to 224mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 82% to 86%, highest in February and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 6C to 27C, highest in July (18C to 27C) and lowest in January (6C to 13C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

During Spring, be sure to keep media moist.

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. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly 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 are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Repotting is best done annually.