Pleione

These miniature terrestrial, epiphytic or lithophytic orchids are found at altitudes from 500 to 2300 m above sea level. As epiphytes, they grow at the base of the trunks of large trees. In mountain misty forests at high altitudes, Pleiones grow in a thick layer of moss on low-growing trees and moss-covered rocks, in humus-filled crevices and depressions on the shady surface of steep stone walls of gorges and on mossy hummocks. Among the pleiones, there are both spring-blooming and autumn-blooming species. Small vegetative shoots and rather large flowers make these plants look like spring one crocuses. Sometimes they are called "Indian crocuses". The flowers are solitary, reaching a diameter of 6-12 cm, they can be colored in various shades from whitish-pink and yellow to purple-red and purple. The three-lobed lip is almost always lighter than the petals and sepals, it bears numerous longitudinal ridges, grooves and outgrowths. The flowers remain fresh for two weeks.

These miniature terrestrial, epiphytic or lithophytic orchids are found at altitudes from 500 to 2300 m above sea level. As epiphytes, they grow at the base of the trunks of large trees. In mountain misty forests at high altitudes, Pleiones grow in a thick layer of moss on low-growing trees and moss-covered rocks, in humus-filled crevices and depressions on the shady surface of steep stone walls of gorges and on mossy hummocks. Among the pleiones, there are both spring-blooming and autumn-blooming species. Small vegetative shoots and rather large flowers make these plants look like spring one crocuses. Sometimes they are called "Indian crocuses". The flowers are solitary, reaching a diameter of 6-12 cm, they can be colored in various shades from whitish-pink and yellow to purple-red and purple. The three-lobed lip is almost always lighter than the petals and sepals, it bears numerous longitudinal ridges, grooves and outgrowths. The flowers remain fresh for two weeks.

Cultivation

Spring-blooming Pleione plants can be kept either in a cold greenhouse or directly in the open ground. When growing in the open ground, it is advisable to plant plants in the cracks of rocky crevices located slightly below the soil level - this will protect orchids from freezing in low-snow winters. In winter, plants must be well covered, and in summer they must be protected from pests, slugs and snails. The substrate for the pleione pot culture should be loose, breathable, but at the same time sufficiently fertile. As a substrate, you can use a mixture of turf land, leaf humus, lowland peat, red top peat, sand (1:1:1:1:2), you can add some of the weathered dry manure. During active growth, pleione responds well to weekly top dressing with balanced liquid mineral fertilizers at a concentration of 0.2 %.

Spring-blooming Pleione plants can be kept either in a cold greenhouse or directly in the open ground. When growing in the open ground, it is advisable to plant plants in the cracks of rocky crevices located slightly below the soil level - this will protect orchids from freezing in low-snow winters. In winter, plants must be well covered, and in summer they must be protected from pests, slugs and snails.

The substrate for the pleione pot culture should be loose, breathable, but at the same time sufficiently fertile. As a substrate, you can use a mixture of turf land, leaf humus, lowland peat, red top peat, sand (1:1:1:1:2), you can add some of the weathered dry manure.

During active growth, pleione responds well to weekly top dressing with balanced liquid mineral fertilizers at a concentration of 0.2 %.

Location

Pleiones are light-loving plants, they need to be given maximum illumination during intensive growth, being careful not to place orchids in direct sunlight.

Temperature

For successful flowering, all representatives of the genus need a period of deep dormancy (stopping watering and cold maintenance at a temperature of 4-6 °C from November to February).

Watering

During the dormant period (winter - early spring), watering should be completely stopped. Resume watering only after the roots of young shoots start to grow. Water the plants abundantly, completely soaking the earthen lump, but not allowing the roots to get wet. For irrigation, use stagnant or rainwater.

Transplant

Pleione is transplanted annually during the dormant period. Daughter pseudobulbs are separated from the dying mother pseudobulbs, all old roots are cut off, leaving only their bases no more than 2-3 cm long. This brush of dead roots will help strengthen pseudobulbs in the substrate. Several well-ripened pseudobulbs are planted in one pot at once.

Care

Removing wilted flowers.

Reproduction

Pleione is propagated with the help of babies formed on the tops of old pseudobulbs, which are separated and planted in separate pots. This year they will give a vegetative growth that is not capable of flowering, but next year the young daughter shoots that develop from them are already capable of flowering.

Diseases

When the substrate is excessively moistened, pleiones suffer from root rot (fusariosis). To avoid rot and prevent the root system from dying off, spring watering should be started carefully, only after the young roots are embedded in the substrate.

Acquisition

Pleiones and their hybrids can be found in flower shops, sometimes in gardening centers. They are sold as adult flowering plants or as seedlings of the second year of life. Seeds do not normally propagate.