Spring flowering Pleione Orchid (Himalayan or Windowsill Orchid)
These beautiful large flowering orchids are easily grown by the novice if several steps are followed:
1. The flower buds will start to emerge in spring, at this point begin spraying with water weekly. After flowering finishes the leaves quickly develop so increase watering gradually over a month. In summer water 3 times a week. The leaves will fall off in autumn, it is important to keep the bulbs totally dry and cool until the following spring.
2. Re-pot yearly, anytime once they are dormant (December-February) before flower emerges. Keep dry. Plant with 1/3 of the bulb above the soil.
3. The compost must be open and free draining. Many recipes can be used for the soil, we use 3 parts small to medium potting bark, 1 part chopped sphagnum moss (alive or dead) and 1 part perlite.
4. Shallow containers are ideal either terracotta or plastic.
5. They are versatile plants and will flourish on a cool, slightly shaded windowsill, hence the common name ‘Windowsill Orchard’. Alternatively a cold greenhouse or cold frame is ideal all year round as they will tolerate a gentle frost.
6. Feed every two to three weeks with half strength seaweed extract.
