Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bletilla
BeginnerBletilla striata
The easiest orchid to grow, a terrestrial species common in Japanese gardens with purple-pink spring flowers.
About
Bletilla, commonly named the urn orchid, is a temperate, terrestrial genus of orchids. The genus currently contains five recognized species distributed through China, Japan, Taiwan, south to Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar. The name is actually a diminutive of Bletia because of the resemblance between the two genera even though Bletia is a New World genus. The genera Jimensia Raf. and Polytoma Lour. ex Gomes are generally included into Bletilla. This genus is abbreviated Ble in trade journals.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Bletilla
The Bletilla lives 10+ years.
Size of the Bletilla
The Bletilla grows to 30-50cm.
Basic Info
Origin
China, Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, temperate regions
Lifespan
10+ years
Size
30-50cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It adapts to anything from full sun to partial shade. It can be grown in pots or planted directly in the garden.
Watering
Water moderately from spring to summer. Once established in the ground, rainfall is usually enough; water only during prolonged dry spells.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is very cold hardy, surviving around -10°C, so it overwinters outdoors. The top dies back and goes dormant in winter, resprouting in spring.
Soil & Repotting
A humus-rich, well-drained soil suits it. When clumps become crowded, lift and replant them during dormancy.
Fertilizer
Feed once or twice a month during the growing season. Do not feed during winter dormancy, when the roots are inactive.
Propagation
It is easily propagated by division. Separate the pseudobulbs and replant them between dormancy and the start of spring growth.
Bletilla FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Bletilla?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Bletilla?
The average lifespan of Bletilla is 10+ years. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Bletilla get?
The mature size of Bletilla is 30-50cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QWhat is the typical price for Bletilla?
The price of Bletilla varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
Growing Specifications
- USDA Zone
- 5–9
- Hardiness (RHS)
- H4
Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Bletilla striata (Zone 5 to 9) / RHS Find a Plant: Bletilla striata (H4)
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Wikipedia
- CITES Appendices (Orchidaceae spp. = Appendix II)
- CITES Appendix I Orchid Checklist (Kew/UNEP-WCMC 2019)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Bletilla striata (Zone 5 to 9)
- RHS Find a Plant: Bletilla striata (H4)
- GBIF
- POWO
- RHS orchid hybrid registration (International Orchid Register)
- AOS (American Orchid Society)
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb.f.
Synonyms: Bletia gebina, Bletia hyacinthina, Gyas humilis, Bletilla elegantula, Cymbidium striatum, Bletilla striata f. gebina, Coelogyne elegantula, Bletilla striata var. albomarginata
Authority databases: GBIF · POWO · RHS orchid hybrid registration (International Orchid Register) · AOS (American Orchid Society)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The family Orchidaceae is listed entirely in CITES Appendix II (except for the genera Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium and certain species, which are in Appendix I). Cultivars and hybrids are subject to family-level regulation; however, artificially propagated specimens may benefit from simplified trading procedures under the Appendices.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Orchidaceae spp. = Appendix II) / CITES Appendix I Orchid Checklist (Kew/UNEP-WCMC 2019)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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