Re: Germination of Bletellia striata seeds

Judith, 

You can just about germinate Bletilla striata on live heads of
sphagnum moss (not ordinary moss) packed tightly into a small clay pot
with some crushed charcoal.  If stood in distilled (definitely not
tap) water, fresh seeds might produce their first leaves within 10 -
12 weeks.  You need to maintain even temperatures of about 20 - 21C
and provide a bright but not sunny position.  Once large enough to
handle, the seedlings can then be transferred to deep, well drained
trays containing a sterilised mixture in equal parts of coarse sand,
moss peat and finely rubbed leaf mould.  Black (sedge) peat seems to
attract sciarid flies more readily and their larvae can destroy the
delicate young roots. Grow on until the first pseudo-corm has been
produced after which they can withstand slightly 'rougher treatment'.

Seeds sown aseptically usually give more even germination, but the
aftercare is almost as difficult.  To be honest with you, it is such a
common and inexpensive orchid, all of the above effort is barely worth
it.  however, once you have mastered the art of getting them to
germinate, it does put you in good stead for trying something far more
worthwhile, so the practice might be useful.

Dave Poole
TORQUAY  UK
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