Detailed Explanation of Field Management Key Points for Bletilla striata Cultivation
Bletilla striata is a medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, with the main medicinal part being the plant's tubers. Bletilla striata has effects such as astringing to stop bleeding, reducing swelling and promoting tissue regeneration. It has a wide planting area in China, but although the planting area of Bletilla striata is extensive, growing it is not that simple, and everyone needs to have certain management skills. Many people fail at cultivation precisely because management is not done properly. Below, the editor brings you the key points of field management for Bletilla striata. Let's take a look together!
1. Intertillage and Weeding
The plants of Bletilla striata are very short. If intertillage and weeding are not done well, it will be almost impossible to distinguish Bletilla striata from weeds later on. Moreover, Bletilla striata has a relatively weak nutrient absorption capacity and cannot compete with weeds, so intertillage and weeding must be done well. Weeding must be carried out no less than three times a year, and the first weeding should be done after sowing and seedling emergence. Then it should be done again after gradually entering summer in June. This stage is not only the vigorous growth period of Bletilla striata, but also a time when weeds grow extremely fast, and if you are not careful, a weed infestation can occur. When weeding, be careful to avoid damaging the roots of Bletilla striata, which would instead further affect its growth.
2. Water Management
Bletilla striata is very fond of water and is suitable for growing in a shady and moist environment, so water management during cultivation is very important. After sowing, water promptly to promote seed germination and seedling emergence and keep the soil in a moist state. Then adjust the amount of watering according to the growth of Bletilla striata. In hot and dry weather, shorten the watering frequency and water at least twice a day. Do not use flood irrigation when watering, to avoid waterlogging damage to Bletilla striata. In rainy weather, also pay attention to drainage, as standing water in the field may cause root rot and decay of Bletilla striata and lead to pests and diseases.
3. Timely Topdressing
Just like its water requirement, Bletilla striata also has a very large nutrient demand, and the number of topdressings each year must not be less than two. Intertillage can improve soil permeability, enhance the soil's fertilizer absorption, and promote the growth of Bletilla striata. Each topdressing can be carried out together with intertillage and weeding. For the first time, the fertilizer should mainly be manure water, then add an appropriate amount of ammonium sulfate. For the second time, mainly use calcium superphosphate, mixed with farmyard manure. The third time should be decomposed farmyard manure. Topdressing should mainly be done in small amounts and more frequently, ensuring both that the nutrients needed for the growth of Bletilla striata are met and that fertilizer damage to Bletilla striata is prevented.
4. Controlling Light
During the growth process of Bletilla striata, light adjustment must be done well. In the early growth stage, the demand for light is relatively small. Within the first week after seedling raising and transplanting, at least 70% shading is needed, and afterward it can be adjusted to about half. If shading is not done in time in summer, the growth rate of Bletilla striata will be very slow or even stop, and the leaves will also be scorched, leading to yellowing and leaf drop. In addition, in the other three seasons when the temperature is relatively low, appropriate direct light is needed to promote photosynthesis in Bletilla striata and increase the accumulation of photosynthetic substances in the plant.
In winter, because the temperature is too low, we also need to do a good job of overwintering, appropriately covering with plastic film, but it needs to be uncovered about once every two days to promote ventilation and air exchange, and then covered again. In addition, we also need to do a good job in the prevention and control of pests and diseases to avoid threats to the growth of Bletilla striata. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you all for reading and supporting.