How to Grow Bletilla striata? The Latest Technical Methods Tutorial
Bletilla striata is a plant of the genus Bletilla in the orchid family. Its tubers can be used as medicine, with an excellent hemostatic effect and a very strong blood-coagulating action, and can replace blood plasma for consumption in surgery. It is cultivated in Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and other places, so how should Bletilla striata be grown? Let's take a look together below.
1. Site selection and land preparation
Bletilla striata has strong adaptability and no special requirements for soil. It likes a warm, moist environment and is not cold-tolerant. When planting, it is best to choose a loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil rich in humus. After selecting the plot, plow it more than 20cm deep, then apply barnyard manure and compost as base fertilizer, applying 1000 kg per mu. If there is no farmyard manure, compound fertilizer and organic fertilizer can also be used instead, applying 100 kg of organic fertilizer and 50 kg of compound fertilizer per mu. After fertilizing, mix it evenly with the soil. Before planting, shallow plow once, then harrow fine and level, and make raised beds 1.5 m wide.
2. Propagation methods
Bletilla striata can be propagated by seeds and tubers, but sowing is relatively difficult and the survival rate is low, while tuber propagation is easier, so tuber propagation is mostly used in production. Tuber propagation is generally carried out from September to November. Dig out the Bletilla striata and select medium-sized tubers free of pests and diseases, requiring each piece to carry one to two buds. After mixing with plant ash, they can be planted. Open furrows on the bed surface at a row spacing of 20-25cm, with a furrow depth of 5-6cm. When planting, place the tubers into the furrows at a plant spacing of 10cm, with the buds facing upward, then fill with soil and press firm, water, and cover with grass.
3. Field management
After Bletilla striata emerges, weed control should be done well. Management during the seedling stage of Bletilla striata attaches great importance to weed control, because weeds will affect the growth of the seedlings, and when weeding it is best to pull them by hand. After weeding, according to the growth condition of the seedlings and the looseness of the soil, timely carry out intertillage and timely loosen the soil. Whether intertillage or weeding, be sure to hoe shallowly to avoid damaging the root system.
4. Fertilizer and water management
Bletilla striata is a fertilizer-loving plant, and its fertilizer and water management is related to its yield. Generally, fertilizer should be applied once a month, and each application should not be too concentrated. A method of diluting fertilizer with water and then spraying or watering it on can promote the root system's absorption of fertilizer and improve fertilizer utilization. After July-August, the plant stops growing and enters the dormant period, at which time fertilization should be stopped, but attention should be paid to the harm of weeds, pests and diseases. As for water management, Bletilla striata is a shade-loving plant and the soil should often be kept moist. Water promptly during drought, especially in July-September, when it should be watered once in the morning and once in the evening. But at the same time it is also afraid of waterlogging, so drainage should be paid attention to during the rainy season to avoid root rot.
The above is an introduction to the cultivation techniques of Bletilla striata. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more about cultivation knowledge, please stay tuned to us.