Bletilla striata, a seasonal orchid

Bletilla striata likes regular, but not excessive, watering. Its roots must not be drowned. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or filtered water at room temperature.

Between waterings, let the soil dry on the surface (by about two centimetres).

Remember to remove any stagnant water from the saucer or planter.

If the air in your home is dry, spray the leaves of your plant with non-calcareous water at room temperature.

In spring, transfer your Bletilla striata to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Obtain a perforated pot large enough for the sprouts to grow. Place clay balls or gravel at the bottom to help excess water run off.

Prepare a mixture of equal parts ordinary soil (universal potting soil or garden soil), leaf compost or heather soil and sand, for drainage. Pour a first layer and place your Hyacinth orchid in the center of the pot. Fill in with substrate to the height of the root ball.

Tamp gently to eliminate air bubbles and water to help the plant take root.

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Add orchid fertilizer to watering water. You can alternate between a growth fertilizer and a bloom fertilizer.

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Bletilla striata are rhizomatous plants. They spread their root system lengthwise. Choose a pot with holes large enough for shoots to grow.

Line the bottom with a drainage layer, such as gravel or small pebbles. Then add a mixture of ordinary potting soil (or garden soil), sand and a rich substrate (heather soil or leaf compost). Plant your pseudobulbs five centimetres deep and cover with potting soil.

Press down to remove air bubbles and water for the first time to encourage rooting.

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Prepare a planting hole approximately 30 centimetres deep. Place pebbles or gravel at the bottom to form a drainage layer. Cover with potting soil mixed with perlite or pozzolan.

Plant your pseudobulbs five centimetres from the surface, buds up. You can place three or four in the same hole. Fill with substrate.

Water for the first time to remove air bubbles and help the plant take root.

You can take cuttings all year round.

Carefully dig up the plant. Observe its root system and locate the individual plants. Separate them, always keeping a stem with its leaves and roots.

Division can be done by hand. But if the roots are too tangled, you can cut them with a clean, sharp tool.

Prepare a perforated pot lined with a drainage layer, such as gravel or clay balls. Then fill it with potting soil for green plants.

Plant your bulb in the center. Bury it at a depth of twice its size. Pay attention to the direction! The tip should face upwards and the rhizomes downwards.