Bletilla striata

Also known as: The Striped Bletilla Albino Variety or Sobralia bletioides Polytoma inodora Bletia hyacinthina var. gebina Bletia hyacinthina Br. fol. albo-striatis Bletilla striata h.f. alba Epidendrum striatum Jimensia nervosa Calanthe kawakamiense Bletilla gebina Cymbidium striatum Bletia hyacinthina Bletia gebina Bletilla striata var. gebina Bletilla striata var. albomarginata Cymbidium hyacinthinum Bletilla elegantula Calanthe gebina Bletilla striata f. gebina Bletia hyacinthina var. liukiuensis Coelogyne elegantula Limodorum hyacinthinum Gyas humilis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Guangdong - China Guangxi - China Japan

General Information

The Striped Bletilla Albino Variety is a cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to China and Japan.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous thick lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-29cm long

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

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

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 28mm to 279mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 66% to 81%, highest in June and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 4C to 33C, highest in July (24C to 33C) and lowest in January (4C to 14C).

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.

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,