Pleione
Pleione orchid, Indian crocus
- Height × spread
- 0.3m – 0.4m × 0.3m – 0.3m
- Position
- Part shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are over 20 species within this genus as well as many hybrids and crosses. They come from a wide area across the Far East including China, Japan, parts of the Himalayas, Thailand and Vietnam. Orchids within this genus may be terrestrial (growing in earth), epiphytic (growing on other plants) and Liphophytic (growing on rocks or boulders). The flowers are in the white, mauve and pink range of colours. They have a long tubular mouth, often patterned within. The lip, thrust to the fore has colours and patterns that include red, brown and yellow shades. To the rear are smaller, often brightly coloured petals (technically sepals). This is quite a tough orchid with the reservation that it is intolerant of cold and wetness during its period of winter rest,
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 0.3m – 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Rock garden, Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- bright spot, no direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 6C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Mist the plant daily
Plants which enjoy high humidity should be misted daily. Soft or rain water is preferred as it doesn't mark the foliage. Avoid spraying at the height of day or the water can act as a magnifying glass and leaves may be scorched.
Mist the plant daily when in growth, preferably using rain or soft water.
Spring-Winter · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while the plant is in growth. The watering should be reduced as the leaves start to die. It should be kept just moist during its rest period (generally winter) and watering resumed when new growth starts.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Mist the plant daily
Plants which enjoy high humidity should be misted daily. Soft or rain water is preferred as it doesn't mark the foliage. Avoid spraying at the height of day or the water can act as a magnifying glass and leaves may be scorched.
Mist the plant daily when in growth, preferably using rain or soft water.
Spring-Winter · Outdoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while the plant is in growth. The watering should be reduced as the leaves start to die. It should be kept just moist during its rest period (generally winter) and watering resumed when new growth starts.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Repot every year
Repot each year as it is coming into growth, and before it starts to flower. Move the plant to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Shake off some of the old compost, but don't disturb the roots too much.
Make sure the roots are spread out and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and ensure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with orchid feed
Use a standard orchid feed regularly at every third watering during summer, applying it as directed on the packet.
For specialist feeding, you can buy a group of orchid feeds. Apply a high nitrogen feed in spring as the plant is coming into growth, a balanced feed during growth, and a high potash feed in autumn.
Summer-Autumn · Outdoors
Feed with orchid feed
Use a standard orchid feed regularly at every third watering during summer, applying it as directed on the packet.
For specialist feeding, you can buy a group of orchid feeds. Apply a high nitrogen feed in spring as the plant is coming into growth, a balanced feed during growth, and a high potash feed in autumn.
Planting & general
Indoor temperature · Planting
6C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 6 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a bright spot, no direct sun
Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.
Compost · Planting
Orchid compost for repotting
Use orchid compost designed for plants that are terrestrial, i.e. they grow in earth.
You can create your own using a mixture that includes equal measures of a coarse peat and grit with ten percent perliite and charcoal. Opinions vary on 'recipes' and if your interest develops, you can research the views of specialist growers.