Pleione Orchids are a cool climate orchid and when growing in the home are generally grown in pots or containers except in milder areas where protection from extreme frosts can be given. These Orchids like a cool winter dormancy and a warm summer (avoid extreme heat). A frost free position is essential if growing outside.

Originally from China, Nepal and Japan Pleiones are a semi epiphytic orchid that grow naturally on higher slopes usual on rocky outcrops near wooded areas. In the UK they could well be renamed 'the windowsill orchid' as this is where they seem to grow so well. These lovely orchids are readily available for sale from online mail order nurseries

Although they like a cold winter Pleiones do not like temperatures above 25C so some protection on hot days is needed. In terms of light perhaps the term, light dappled shade is best, direct sun in summer should be avoided.

Consider that the natural environment is a rocky outcrop, Pleiones actually seem to prefer to have roots growth restricted, so avoid over potting.

Pleiones like to be moist during the spring - summer growing season and should be allowed to dry out during the winter dormancy.
An all purpose orchid fertilizer applied in spring seems to be sufficient.

 

Pleione formosana alba
Pleione formosana alba

With literally 100s of Pleione hybrids available and with new flowering forms released each year a great way to keep up with new introductions is to attend Orchid Shows, you will be amazed at how many amateur growers are producing new forms and colors every year.

Potting Pleione Orchids.

Pleiones require repotting every year or second year, but not to big a pot. Generally January to February are the best time to repot Pleiones. Use a free draining orchid potting mix available from most good nurseries or make your own using a 10- 3 - 1 mix or orchid bark, perlite and sphagnum moss.

Pleione Orchids are readily available for sale online from specialist growers.

You may also find some Pleione plants for sale at orchid shows, well worth a look.
Pleione Pricei

Pleione rakata


 

Pleione species include:

  • Pleione formosana or Taiwan Pleione Perhaps the most widely cultivated species, and fairly easy to grow. White through to purple flowers. Pleione formosana Cairngorm is a popular cultivar
  • Pleione forrestii A much sought after species originally from the Yunnan Province in China, with very attractive yellow flowers. Spring Flowering
  • Pleione hookeriana Spring Flowering generally in shaded of purple
  • Pleione humilis Usually white with pink markings in the the throat. Summer Flowering
  • Pleione maculate Fragrant white flowers with yellow and pink to red markings on the lip of the flower. Late Summer Flowering
  • Pleione praecox Pink petals with a paler throat and lip. Late Summer to Autumn Flowering

 

More Orchid Resources for the UK