Orchid genus Pleione (Pleione), uniting about 20 species, named after the goddess Pleyody - mother of the Pleiades, the heroes of Greek mythology.
Growth Phase
The young Pleione shoots develop in March/April and flower in the spring. After flowering, the plant continues to develop its foliage and to mature its bulbs. In the autumn, Pleiones go into their winter dormancy, and the leaves yellow, fade and disappear. Over the years, the bulbs divide to form increasingly large masses.
During the winter, the plant is at total rest and only the bulb persists. Keep it dry and sheltered from severe frost during the entire winter period until the resumption of growth at the end of the winter.
At the beginning of spring, when the bulbs start to germinate, moisten the substrate very slightly.
The old desiccated pseudobulbs can be removed.
Planting
Tolerating only light frost (-5°C), these orchids will not be able to be kept in the garden in regions with harsh winters. We recommend, at least in those regions, to cultivate them in a container in order to winter them away from strong frost.
Be sure however to select a large enough pot (diameter 20cm) in order to avoid impeding the development of the new peripheral bulbs.
The bulbs should not be buried in the substrate but planted so that a third of their size protrudes from the compost.
Once the growth has begun, never repot the plant: Pleiones are unable to reform broken roots. The bulbs therefore should not be disturbed as from the moment when the shoots start to germinate.
These orchids are highly tolerant with regard to their substrate. You can keep them in peat-based substrates or in mixtures of bark chippings, lava stone (vulca) and compost.
Water.
Use rainwater (preferably) to spray your Pleione and keep the surrounding soil continually moist throughout the summer. Add liquid fertiliser to the watering can regularly while in bloom.Pleione Tongariro can survive throughout the winter.
Pleione Tongariro often grows its pseudo bulbs slightly above the ground which means that this plant needs a rest. Water it less in the autumn and remove all of its dead leaves. Store the plant in a pot in a dry, frost-free area. When the buds are at 1 cm high (February or March) pot up in fresh potting compost, water gradually more and stand in the living room (although not an indoor plant). The buds will continue to develop. Water sparingly until the leaves show. You can now add some plant food when watering. Once flowering is over, the whole pot can do outdoors as long as there is no more frost.
Exposure
The ideal exposure will be semi-shaded. A site in the sun is not excluded but then take care to keep the substrate moist in the spring and during the entire summer.
Fertilisation and Plant Protection
When the leaves are developing, fertilise the plant with a balanced fertiliser. Do not fertilise when the plant is dormant.
Protect these plants in the ground outdoors from frost, by covering them with a layer of leaf litter. A plate of glass over the roots will prevent them becoming too wet. You can plant your Pleione Tongariro in the spring in flower pots, window-boxes or in the ground. If you would prefer to plant your Pleione Tongariro in a pot, then choose a large pot with holes in the base and cover the bottom with a layer of broken pot or gravel. Improve your soil by mixing in some hydro pellets, compost, and granulated cow manure. Put the soil mixture in the pot and plant the root ball of the Pleione Tongariro at the appropriate depth, spaced approximately 5 cm apart. Fill with soil and press firmly. Water immediately after planting. Tip: line a porous pot with plastic or use a pot liner. This prevents evaporation which will allow the soil to remain moist for longer. If you are planting your Pleione Tongariro in the ground, then space them a little further apart. Pleione Tongariro grows best in a cool, shady spot.
If necessary, protect the tender young shoots against slugs, during their emergence.
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