A Detailed Guide to the Latest Fertilization Timing and Methods for Bletilla striata

Bletilla striata is a very common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and its cultivation area in China is now relatively large. Because of growing market demand, the yield requirements for Bletilla striata will also keep increasing. If you want to increase the yield of Bletilla striata when growing it, fertilization work is very important. So how should you fertilize Bletilla striata when growing it? When should you fertilize? Below, the editor will introduce this to everyone. Let's take a look!

1. Fertilization Timing

Bletilla striata has a relatively high demand for nutrients during growth, so fertilization work must be done well. Bletilla striata has different nutrient needs at each growth stage. Especially during the tuber enlargement period from August to September, nutrient demand will rise sharply. About two weeks after planting, Bletilla striata should be topdressed once, mainly with dilute manure and urine water. Each topdressing should be controlled in amount to ensure it meets the nutrient needs of Bletilla striata growth. Then rationally apply fertilizers such as superphosphate and liquid fertilizer, keep the soil moist, and do watering work well during drought. Especially during the high-temperature period in summer, it is best to water twice a day.

2. Fertilizer Requirements

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three most basic elements in fertilization, and Bletilla striata has relatively high demand for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. None of these elements can be missing. If there is too little nitrogen fertilizer, it will affect the growth of branches and leaves, causing the Bletilla striata plant to be bare and lacking beauty, seriously affecting the growth of Bletilla striata, and causing yellowing of leaves and stems. If phosphorus fertilizer is lacking, it will inhibit root growth and hinder the development of new buds. The function of potassium fertilizer is to effectively improve the disease resistance of Bletilla striata, promote the growth of pseudobulbs and so on, and improve the yield and quality of Bletilla striata.

3. Fertilization Methods

Base fertilizer and topdressing

Base fertilizer is indispensable for growing Bletilla striata. Before planting Bletilla striata, we should apply sufficient base fertilizer into the soil to improve soil fertility and enhance the growth capacity of Bletilla striata. The base fertilizer should mainly be decomposed farmyard manure; undecomposed farmyard manure will burn Bletilla striata and reduce its yield and quality. Because Bletilla striata grows relatively slowly, topdressing should mainly be applied more frequently but in small amounts. During peak growth seasons such as spring and autumn, the topdressing frequency should be appropriately shortened, generally once every half month in spring. In summer, it can be applied less appropriately, and if the base fertilizer is sufficient, it may even be unnecessary to fertilize.

Applying Foliar Fertilizer

The main purpose of topdressing with foliar fertilizer is to supplement the trace elements needed for the growth of Bletilla striata. It enhances leaf growth, improves photosynthetic capacity, and increases the accumulation of photosynthetic substances in Bletilla striata. Foliar fertilizer should be topdressed about once a week. When spraying foliar fertilizer, attention should be paid to making it comprehensive and uniform to ensure every leaf receives the solution. Then observe the leaves to control and adjust the spraying frequency. Bright and glossy leaves indicate sufficient nutrition; conversely, if they are dull and lusterless, timely spraying is needed. When spraying, make sure both sides are sprayed thoroughly, adjust the spraying angle, and improve the effect of the foliar fertilizer.

The above is a brief introduction to the fertilization timing and methods for Bletilla striata. Both base fertilizer and topdressing methods can mainly use furrow application or band application, depending on your own fertilization habits. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you all for reading and supporting.