Pleione

Pleione is a genus of small, deciduous orchids native to high-altitude regions (1,000–4,000 m) in Tibet, southern China, Taiwan, northeastern India, Myanmar, and northern Thailand. Plants grow 10–20 cm; each pseudobulb persists for one season before withering as the new growth develops. In spring (March–April), a single large flower (5–9 cm across) emerges directly from the leafless pseudobulb in pink, white, purple, or yellow with a fringed lip. The species are notably cold-hardy, tolerating near-freezing temperatures. After foliage dies in autumn, pseudobulbs are lifted and stored cool and dry for winter, then replanted in spring. Moderate water and fertilizer during the growing season are sufficient.

−