About Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb.f.
Bletilla striata is a terrestrial orchid that produces pleated, spear-shaped leaves. It comes out of dormancy in early spring, where each tuber from the previous year can grow multiple new shoots. These new shoots mature over a couple of months, and eventually produce 3 to 7 magenta-pink flowers. When cultivated in the UK, it is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F) when grown in sheltered locations. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In the United States, it can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, though winter mulching is recommended for plants grown in zone 5. Like most terrestrial orchids, it loses its leaves when it enters winter dormancy, but it tolerates moisture during this dormant period far better than most other terrestrial orchids. Even so, it is recommended to grow Bletilla striata in a well-draining growing mix that is rich in humus. In Asian traditional medicine, Bletilla striata is used to treat conditions affecting the lining of the alimentary canal, such as ulcers. It is also used as a natural glue to make silk strings for traditional Chinese instruments, including the guqin.
