Care Tips for Growing Chinese Ground Orchid
Like most spring bulbs, Chinese ground orchids retain it colorful foliage throughout the winter until the last frosts have blown it away. This feature makes it ideal for covering bare carpet, awnings and verandas along the front of your home. The large, orchid-like leaves are also a perfect compliment to fuzzy white garden orchid petals, fine cut astilbes, and hostas. In fact, they complement and enhance all types of flowering plants. As the seasons change, you can move these plants into your indoor garden or backyard and enjoy their new beauty.
In the springtime, Chinese ground orchids thrive in full sunshine, but if you live in a part of the country that experiences seasonal changes, you might want to consider growing them in partial shade. Keep in mind that as they grow, they will need a lot of moisture. They can even go into a dormant state during the winter. During this time, continue to keep your bletilla watered but not overly wet. Watering from the tap is fine, but never use a high pressure irrigation system.
Growing orchids from seed is another option. Many orchids require at least three to four inches of direct sunlight each day to grow, so this is a good way to introduce them into your home. You may find that your Chinese ground orchid plant takes root very quickly once it starts growing. However, seedlings can be a little tricky to care for. It is best to propagate your new plant from someone you know who has experience with Chinese ground orchids.
When it comes to early spring Chinese ground orchids, the blooms reach their maximum beauty around late winter or early spring. Full bloom can be seen in the early morning, but the flowers fade throughout the day as the plants go into a dormant stage. This process repeats itself until the next full bloom. When choosing a plant to grow from seeds, choose plants that are healthy and vigorous. Do not select seeds that have a history of yellowing foliage or that are weakly growing.
Most of the time, you won’t need to water your new plants very often. However, you’ll need to water them every few days during the growing season, especially as they move from the growing phase into the dormant stage. Be sure to avoid heavy watering, since this can stunt the growth habits of your Chinese ground orchid. Watering the soil only when the topsoil or potting soil appears dry is sufficient. Avoid too much water, as water can harm the roots.
After the Chinese ground orchid has developed its blooms, it’s time to start caring for the foliage. Although it’s a good idea to provide your plants with some shade, don’t hesitate to provide some sunlight, too. Direct sun rays can help to stimulate development in the dormant period, so provide your plants with at least 6 hours of morning sun, every day.
Unlike most orchids, Chinese ground orchids do not require a special growing diet. You should leave the flowers alone and just provide them with enough light. If you want to grow clumps of these plants, you should divide them in the spring and make sure you spread out the roots prior to planting. This will ensure that the root system is not blocked or damaged.
Once the Chinese ground orchid starts blooming in the spring, you’ll be able to see them throughout the summer. In fact, they will be so lovely that you’ll want to nurture them all through the summer! The best time to try and grow these plants is from early spring up until about June or July. This will ensure that your plants have plenty of time to develop and even produce flowers.