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Distribution:
The approximately 22 species are found from the Indian Himalayas to Taiwan, mostly at higher elevations, sometimes in mountainous regions up to 3500m. The greatest diversity of species is found in Yunnan.
Plant Description:
Pleione overwinter as leafless bulbs and bloom at the end of their winter dormancy in spring. However, Pleione maculata and Pleione saxicola bloom as early as autumn and winter. The flowers are large, often fragrant, and very decorative. After flowering, one or two
elongated and quite large leaves.
Cultivation:
Many species are quite frost-resistant during their dormant period due to their natural distribution at high altitudes. However, only Pleione limprichtii is considered winter-hardy in Central Europe. It is important to protect the dormant bulbs from moisture. During the growing season, a shady location is preferred. Consistent and sufficient watering is advisable.
Recommended soil mixtures:
Pleione thrives in bark substrates commercially available for cultivating tropical orchids. In open ground, well-draining soil is essential. Suitable mineral substrates include volcanic gravel, volcanic stratification, pumice, or lava.
mixed with only a small amount of organic components.
Recommended reading:
Orchideen im Garten: Verwendung, Pflege und Vermehrung. Gerd Kohls and Ulrich Kähler, 1993. Parey ISBN 3 489 636244.
Orchideen für den Garten: Europäische und tropische Erdorchideen. Alfons Bürger, 1992. Ulmer ISBN 3 8001 64876.
Hardy orchids. Phillip Cribb and Christopher Bailes, 1989. Timber Pr. ISBN 0 88192 147 5.
The genus Pleione. Phillip Cribb and Ian Butterfield. A Kew Magazine Monograph.
Native Orchids of China in Colour. Chen singhi, Tsi Zhanhuo, Luo Yibo. 1999 by Science Press. ISBN 7-03-006963-3 (Beijing), ISBN 1-8800132-51-6 (NewYork).
