Also known as Chinese Ground Orchid · 146 saves
Bletilla
Bletilla, the genus most gardeners know as chinese ground orchid. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Bletilla varieties
Browse all 9 Bletilla varieties →
Species of Bletilla
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Bletilla in Sow
Save the Bletilla you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Bletilla
Whats common across all Bletilla varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Bletilla year
- MulchNovember100% of varieties
Apply light mulch to retain moisture; refresh before winter
- PlantMarch, April and September100% of varieties
Plant rhizomes in spring or early fall in rich, well-drained soil
- FertilizeMarch–May100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer as new shoots emerge
- DivideFebruary and March89% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years in spring or early fall
- DeadheadMay and June44% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain tidy appearance
- Spring CleanupJanuary and February33% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage before new growth begins
Do
- Divide clumps every few years to promote healthy growth
- Water consistently during growing season 🌱
- Mulch to maintain soil moisture
- Water regularly to maintain moist soil 🌱
- Provide shade during hot summer days
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
What goes wrong with Bletilla
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and ragged holes | Apply iron phosphate slug bait |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Bulb rot | Soft, discolored bulbs | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Gray mold | Gray fuzzy mold on leaves and stems | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
Making more Bletilla
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Separate rhizomes with a sharp knife
- Plant divisions at same depth as original
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Wait 6 weeks for roots to establish
Seed sowing
- Collect seeds after flowering and dry thoroughly.
- Sow seeds on moist, well-draining soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist and place in shaded area.
- Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks.
Bletilla questions
How many types of Bletilla are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Bletilla varieties. The most popular — ranked by 146 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Bletilla grow in?
Across its varieties, Bletilla covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Bletilla bloom?
Most Bletilla varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, mid-spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Bletilla should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.