Hey Rich, welcome to the addiction. I can not help you with your
questions as I do not grow Bletilla nor do I propagate orchids.
But I wanted to say hi & welcome to our group.
Karen

Rich wrote:
Hi there,

Yup, first orchid. I'm totally new to orchids, but have experience with
plants (bonsai, carnivorous, other exotic houseplants etc). Anyway, I was
hoping for some practical advice from the knowledgeable, hence my post.

I bought it yesterday, and it is all of about 1" tall. It currently has two
leaves that are still not completely opened.

The tag describes it as 'Bletilla - Penway Rainbow' (presumably an
artificial hybrid). I'm intending on growing this as a houseplant as I live
in London, England, where things such as gardens are a rare commodity!

So, any advice anyone can give on raising this plant - it's likes and
dislikes would be appreciated. I've currently got it situated near a
west-facing window, it's potted in a smallish black plastic pot (was told
small pot = good), bark compost, gravel and humidity tray.. I've started
watering with filtered water (London water has a gH of around 14), and am
planning on using a weak fertilizer (.25 strength apparently?) This all seem
sensible so far?

A couple of other newbie questions - being aware that there are 1000's of
different species and hybrids galore, is the propagation method of orchids
similar for each species, or vastly different? For instance, how easy would
it be to eventually propagate my Bletilla, and what methods of propagations
are the most feasible? Also, any good books on orchids, particularly on
houseplant varieties and their care?

Many thanks in advance for your time!!

:-)

Rich (the proud new orchid grower)