Overview
Pleione pleionoides is a clump forming alpine rockery in the genus Pleione, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.08 metres tall and 0.08 metres wide. Pleione pleionoides grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and rock garden.
About
Pleione pleionoides is a deciduous orchid cultivar forming clumps, belonging to the genus Pleione known for their pseudobulbs and solitary flowers up to 8 cm across. It thrives in well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH, preferring partial shade and sheltered west- or east-facing aspects. Suitable for alpine rockeries, conservatories, patios, containers, and rock gardens, it requires orchid bark and bright indirect light for cultivation. This hardy plant is best propagated by division of pseudobulbs and offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
About the genus
Pleione is a small genus of predominantly terrestrial but sometimes epiphytic or lithophytic, miniature orchids. This genus is named after Pleione, mother of the Pleiades, and comprises about 20 species. Common names of this genus include peacock orchid, glory of the east, Himalayan crocus, Indian crocus and windowsill orchid.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pleione (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pleione (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pleione
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Pleione pleionoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.08 metres
- Spread
- 0.08 metres
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pleione pleionoides
- Propagation
- Division of pseudobulbs
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs, mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pleione pleionoides?
Pleione pleionoides prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pleione pleionoides need?
Pleione pleionoides grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Pleione pleionoides grow?
Pleione pleionoides reaches a height of 0.08 metres and a spread of 0.08 metres.
Is Pleione pleionoides hardy in the UK?
Pleione pleionoides has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Pleione pleionoides?
Division of pseudobulbs.
