About
Pleione formosana, the windowsill orchid, is a deciduous orchid to 15 cm with globose pseudobulbs each bearing a single, lance-shaped leaf and a solitary, pale or rose-pink flower 8 cm across, the lip blotched with red or brown. One of the most popular and rewarding of all orchids for a cool, frost-free windowsill or alpine house.
About the genus
Pleione are deciduous, pseudobulbous orchids producing mostly solitary, showy flowers to 8 cm across in shades of pink, purple, lilac or white from the base of the current year's pseudobulb in spring, before the single, lance-shaped leaf emerges. Excellent in a cool greenhouse or frost-free alpine house.
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, containers, naturalising.
Care notes
CultivationPlant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
PruningAllow foliage to die back naturally.
PropagationDivide offsets when dormant.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.