Pleione formosana

Pleione formosana loves very sheltered environments and partial shade. It prefers soils with light humus. The soil should remain slightly moist between March and September, but dry during winter. The rootstock will rot in winter humidity combined with frost. In very dry soil, the young plant can withstand a short frost of around -8 to -10 °C (17.6 to 14°F) at most. In rockeries, winter protection is essential against the cold, but also against humidity. To do this, place a 20cm (8in) layer of leaf compost or crushed bark on the stump, and put an impermeable protection on top of the layer.

Growing in large pots or planters is entirely possible. Use an orchid substrate or a mixture of 60% ericaceous soil, 20% horticultural compost, and 20% coarse sand.

Pleiones are quite demanding plants during the growing season. A weekly dose of geranium-type fertiliser at half strength from mid-May to mid-September will be very beneficial.

Pleiones hate limestone, hot and dry summers, wind, dry atmospheres, and cold and humid winters.

The rootstock located at the base of the plant should not be completely buried. At least half its height should protrude. Water with non-limestone and non-chlorinated water.

Bring potted plants into a cold greenhouse during winter.