About
Pleione maculata, the spotted Indian crocus, is a deciduous orchid producing the characteristic compact pseudobulbs and large, solitary, beautifully formed flowers of the genus with spotted markings on the lip. A rewarding orchid for a cool, frost-free alpine house or windowsill.
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.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSW China
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a shallow container filled with orchid compost, indoors in a cool place. Only water when new growth appears
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of pseudobulbs
Pest resistanceAphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and mealybugs may be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free