"Chinese ground orchid... grow in semi-shade in the garden where it will gradually form into great masses, and each pair of pleated leaves will surround a slender stalk topped by a group of rose purple flowers. ... There is... a lot of variation in the color...
Bletilla striata... a five-point star reaching up to 2 inches across and adorned with a prominent "lip" on its lower center. The lip is usually a darker color and highlighted by a series of... ridges, often outlined in white.... There is also a yellow species Bletilla ochracea that is not as easily found as the common Chinese ground orchid. The pure white variety 'Alba' is pristine, whereas variety 'Albostriata' has a strip of light variegation to the edge of the leaf. The... variety 'Rosea' has palest shell-pink petals and a pale rose lip. ... Bletilla... from China, Japan and Tibet,... It was one of the orchids illustrated in the first known book dedicated to orchids produced in Japan in 1728. Bletilla goes back much further... being mentioned by the Chinese Emperor in 280 BC. The name Bletilla is a derivative of Bletia, another orchid that Bletilla strongly resembles in some cases. The name honors the 18th-century Spanish apothecary and botanist Luis Blet. These little orchids spring from underground pseudobulbs [bulbs]... They should ideally be planted in rich, moist, well-drained soil in a position that receives protection from sun during the hottest part of the day... make sure that no water will stand where they are planted. Bletillas can be planted in pots, which should be 8 to 10 inches wide and filled with a soil mixture that is both porous and retains some moisture. Finely ground bark, peat or sphagnum moss with some leaf mould and soil can accomplish this. They must have a period of cold dormancy to flower well. Fertilizing regularly... Use an organic slow-release fertilizer or composted cow manure to give them a boost... These orchids [flowers] can last a month in a vase." http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/may/03/this-orchid-will-show-its-magnificence-all-month/?living *************** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
