Hardy Orchid
Common Names: Hardy Orchid
Latin Name: Bleitilla (Probably this is the one we have)
General Info
- An orchid that is supposedly pretty hardy and not too hard to grow in your yard. Supposedly easiest orchid or beginner to grow.
- Should clump and spread.
- During the winter, the plant persists in pseudobulb form; make sure that the
latter is not too wet in order to avoid any rotting.
- likes partial to full shade.
-Cypripedium, bletilla, calanthe, and cymbidium will all form clumps if they are happy. While the clumps do not need regular division, they can be divided to produce more plants. The clumps should be carefully dug so as to not damage the very fragile fleshy roots. The new plantlets can be teased apart or cut apart with a knife. Rhizomes (if produced) can be cut with a knife as along as there is at least one healthy bud per cutting. Although this can be done in early summer, my favorite time is in the winter...assuming the ground in your area isn't frozen.
Soil Requirements
Water Requirements
- Light/Watering: Full sun to partial shade, protected from afternoon sun.
Water thoroughly after planting and give new plants a good soaking once a
week during summer, unless rainfall is plentiful (more than 1 inch per week).
Established plants can generally get by on less water, but most grow best if
the soil remains evenly moist. Please note that more is not better. When in
doubt, don't water. Keep dry in winter while plants are dormant.
- excess water in winter really messes up pseudobulbs
Fertilization
- The application of potassium-rich manure during the vegetation phase (April
to July) will encourage the proper development of the pseudobulbs in summer
and consequently will ensure an excellent production of floral scapes during
the following spring.
- One place says feed regularly.
Pruning
- Cut back to ground in autumn.
Seasonal View
Spring
- Start fertilizing regularly when it gets going.
Summer
- Keep fertilizing regularly.
Fall
- Cut down to ground. Maybe in winter?
Winter
- Lives below ground in pseudobulbous form. Don't get it too wet during this time.
Interesting Sources