Chinese ground orchid
Bletilla striata · Orchidaceae
📷 KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant chinese ground orchid: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Bletilla striata
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to June
- Adult height
- 30 to 40 cm
- Hardiness
- Zone 6 to 9 (-15°C approximately)
- Origin
- Japan, China, Taiwan
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Bletilla needs a rich, well-draining substrate (mix of bark, sphagnum, and perlite). Plant the pseudobulb just at the surface, not buried.
The common mistake
Growing it like a standard potted orchid in a narrow pot without drainage, or burying it completely: it will rot every time.
The pro's trick
In late autumn, let it dry out gradually and overwinter it in a cool spot (5-8°C); this dormancy triggers spring flowering.
Care
Light
Choose a bright spot with filtered, indirect light. The hyacinth orchid tolerates light shade but flowers better with a few hours of daily light. Avoid direct scorching sun which could damage the delicate leaves.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged during the growing period (spring-summer). Reduce watering considerably in autumn and winter during dormancy. Water at the base of the plant, preferably using non-limey water.
Soil and substrate
Plant in a well-draining substrate: a mix of pine bark, peat, and perlite works perfectly. Soil that's too compact will retain moisture and promote pseudo-bulb rot. Make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Fertilizing
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (April to September). Reduce to monthly applications or stop fertilizing in winter. Prefer orchid-specific fertilizer or very diluted fertilizer to avoid excess.
Pruning and cleaning
Remove spent flowers as they fade to extend flowering. Once flowering is finished and foliage has naturally dried, you can tidy up by cutting stems at the base. Remove dead or rotted pseudo-bulbs when handling during repotting.
Diseases and pests
Watch for rot caused by excess moisture and poor drainage. Mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally appear indoors in dry conditions. If problems occur, ensure good air circulation around the plant and spray lightly with clear water without wetting the flowers.
Did you know?
Bletilla striata is a remarkable terrestrial orchid from East Asia, cultivated in Japan since the 17th century where it bears the poetic name 'sharan'. Unlike most epiphytic orchids, it grows in the moist soil of woodlands and has true underground pseudo-bulbs, making it remarkably cold-hardy for an orchid and well-suited to temperate gardens in coastal or mountainous zones.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Moth orchidPhalaenopsis amabilis
- Spotted orchidDactylorhiza maculata
- Lesser twaybladeNeottia ovata
- Broad-leaved helleborineEpipactis helleborine
- Western Marsh-orchidDactylorhiza majalis
- Fragrant orchidGymnadenia conopsea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.