Bletilla
Hyacinth bletilla, Hardy orchid
- Height × spread
- 0.4m – 0.4m × 0.3m – 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are ten species of these orchids, all of which originate in East Asia. They are all terrestrial meaning they can be grown in soil, and are deciduous in character. These are elegant plants having flowers with a long central lip displaying a slender patterned 'tongue' and long slim petals (technically sepals) to the rear. These can take some frost and can be grown in a lightly shaded position in organic free-draining soil that never becomes sodden. In general rain water should be used, watering once or twice a week during summer, and once a fortnight during the winter rest period.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.4m – 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- bright spot, no direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 0C minimum temperature
- Use for
- Wall cover
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with orchid feed
Give a half strength standard orchid feed every fortnight while the plant is in growth.
For specialist feeding, you can buy a group of orchid feeds. Apply a high nitrogen feed in spring as the plant is coming into growth, a balanced feed during growth, and a high potash feed in autumn.
Spring-Winter · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while the plant is in growth. The watering should be reduced as the leaves start to die. It should be kept just moist during its rest period (generally winter) and watering resumed when new growth starts.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Feed with orchid feed
Give a half strength standard orchid feed every fortnight while the plant is in growth.
For specialist feeding, you can buy a group of orchid feeds. Apply a high nitrogen feed in spring as the plant is coming into growth, a balanced feed during growth, and a high potash feed in autumn.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Repot occasionally
Repot occasionally if grown in a container. Move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Shake off some of the old compost, but don't disturb the roots too much.
Make sure the roots are spread out and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and ensure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Planting
Protect from winter cold
Bring the plant into a frost-free area before frosts occur, and do not put them outside until all danger of frost is past. Follow watering instructions, or allow the plant a period of dormancy during the winter.
Plants need to be brought inside in cold areas, i.e. colder than zone 8.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based houseplant compost for repotting
Buy container or house plant compost that is loam based if possible (i.e. is based on John Innes compost number 2 or 3. This contains more fertiliser and is better suited to established plants.
John Innes no. 1 has the lowest level of fertiliser and is used for seedlings and young plants, so is generally used where plants will be 'potted on' after a number of weeks.
Indoor temperature · Planting
0C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 0 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a bright spot, no direct sun
Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.