Bletilla striata aka Chinese Ground Orchid

Taxonomy

Genus Bletilla Family Orchidaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Bletilla striata, also known as hyacinth orchid or Chinese ground orchid, is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is native to Japan, Korea, Myanmar (Burma), and various regions in China including Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. Bletilla striata can be found in evergreen broad-leaved forests, coniferous forests, grassy places, and crevices at elevations ranging from 100 to 3200 meters. The plant typically grows in clumps alongside grassy slopes with sandy soil. The Latin specific epithet striata means “striped”, in reference to the ribbed leaves. The Striped Bletilla is a small to medium-sized, cool to cold growing terrestrial with subterranean rounded and compressed pseudobulbs. It has an erect, 30-70 cm tall stem that bears 4 to 5 oblong-lanceolate, plicate, acuminate apically, flexible, 20-30 cm long, and 2-5 cm wide leaves. Chinese Ground Orchid blooms on a lax, terminal, 60 cm long inflorescence arising with a new pseudobulb that has 3 to 12, fragrant, somewhat nodding flowers that open in succession in the spring. The flowers are rose-purple, sepals and petals alike, and measure 2.5 to 5.5 cm in diameter. This plant is a great addition to a partial shade area of the garden with moderate moisture and substantial organic matter in the soil. It prefers moist (specifically medium moisture), rich (organically enriched) soil that is well-drained. Bletilla striata typically grows to a size of 1-1.5 ft and spreads 0.5 to 1 feet with a height of 8-12 inches.

Common names

Chinese Ground Orchid, Urn Orchid, Bletilla

How to care for Chinese Ground Orchid

Difficulty

Are you up for a challenge? Chinese Ground Orchid will test your gardening skills and require extra care and attention to thrive.

Water

Chinese Ground Orchid should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Chinese Ground Orchid loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Chinese Ground Orchid prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Chinese Ground Orchid to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Chinese Ground Orchid should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Chinese Ground Orchid’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.

More info:
Wikipedia