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Pleione bulbocodioides
Indian Crocus
| As easy to grow as Daffodils, these small Orchids can take the cold temperatures of their native mountain habitats. Their name honors the mother of the Pleiades. Big blossoms have the familiar corsage look of a Cattleya, but are more slender and refined. Clusters of round pseudobulbs sustain these epiphytes. The thin-textured leaves emerge folded, open and usually drop just before flowers unfurl. A single stalk bears 1 or 2 flowers, sometimes scented, in white, pink or magenta -- rarely yellow. Brown, yellow, or red flecks the delicately fringed lip. Need a cool, humid, shady setting. Two types differ in their growth cycles. After spring-bloomers have flowered, keep moist and well fertilized, with good light and fresh air for strong leaves and pseudobulbs. When leaves wither, they need cooler temperatures and less water. Winter-blooming species need more protection from prolonged frosts. After flowering, separate the pseudobulb clumps and plant several to a shallow pot, to half the bulb depth in a sand and fibrous organic mix, or outdoors in prepared soil. Water sparingly until roots and leaves are growing well, then generously until leaves fully extend. Stop watering from about October to December with cooler nights -- ideally, close to 35º F -- so buds will form. Resume watering as flowers open. |
Pyramidal or conical, 1-inch pseudobulbs support delicate orchid-pink blossoms on a 3 to 5-inch stem.
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Attributes - Pleione bulbocodioides
Plant Type: Perennial
Bloom Season: Early Spring through Late Spring
Flower Color: Lavender, Magenta, Pink, Purple
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 3 in. to 5 in.
Width: 6 in.
Sunlight: Partial Sun, Shade
Climate: Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Notes: Container Plants, Cut Flowers, Showy Flowers.
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