Pleione

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Asia.

Description. Pleione is a small genus of orchids, consisting of 20 species of miniature, epiphytic, terrestrial or lithophytic species. Pseudobulbs are oblong, slightly narrowed at the top. From the tops of the pseudobulbs appear 1-2 green, lanceolate leaves 15-30 cm long. During flowering, the pseudobulb throws out a low leafless peduncle, at the top of which are 1-5 large, drooping flowers 6-10 cm in diameter. Flowering often occurs even before the bush has formed leaves. The color of the buds varies from white to yellow, purple and pink. The lip is large, bag-shaped, with small teeth along the edge, and in the center it often has contrasting specks of dark shades.

Height. Up to 20 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the growth period, pleione is kept at normal room temperature of about 20° C. Representatives of this genus do not like summer heat. In the winter months, a long period of rest begins, which this plant should spend in a cool place - at a temperature of 5 - 8 ° C.

Lighting

A brightly lit location with plenty of reflected sunlight is suitable in spring and summer. During the dormant period, pleione loses its leaves and lighting does not play any role.

Care

One of the most unpretentious and at the same time very spectacular orchids. 

Substrate

The flower prefers well-drained soil consisting of sphagnum moss, coconut fiber, pine bark, sand and charcoal.

Feeding

Fertilizing is carried out from spring to autumn, 2 times a month, with fertilizers specially designed for orchids. In this case, fertilizers are diluted to half the recommended dose, since a too concentrated solution can burn the roots of the plant. 

Purpose

Pleione flowers can be used for cutting - in water they do not lose their attractiveness for 2 weeks.

Flowering time

Spring.

Air humidity

Spraying should be done once or twice a day, morning and evening, with soft water at room temperature. To increase air humidity, you can also use a room humidifier or place the plant pot on a tray with wet pebbles. 

Watering

Water regularly and generously in summer, allowing the top 5cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering frequency in autumn and winter. Water with soft bottled water or rainwater at room temperature.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out once every two years, in the spring, when the flower stalk begins to grow, before the leaves appear. Pseudobulbs should protrude from the substrate by about 1/3 of the height. For growing, it is advisable to use clay pots, the walls of which allow air and moisture to pass through.

Reproduction

Propagated by division during transplantation; each division should have at least 3 pseudobulbs.

Pests and diseases

If there is insufficient humidity during the dormant period, the pseudobulbs begin to shrink.

Of the harmful insects, the flower can be bothered by mealybugs and spider mites. When kept outdoors in warm months, the flower can be tasted by slugs and snails.