Pleione Pleione Shantung gx 'Muriel Harberd'

Water

The Pleione, commonly known as the Windowsill Orchid, should be watered sparingly, allowing the compost to nearly dry out before watering again; an average of once per week is a good guideline. During the growing season, from spring through fall, increase watering to maintain slight moisture, using about 8-12 ounces per week depending on the size of the pot and the humidity of your environment. In the winter, reduce watering significantly to once every 2-3 weeks since the plant will be in its dormant phase. Always ensure that the water does not sit in the crown of the plant as this can cause rot.

Light

Windowsill Orchids require bright, indirect light to thrive, making an east or west-facing windowsill an ideal spot. They should be protected from the harsh midday sun, so if you only have a south-facing window, use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. Insufficient light will lead to weak growth, while too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

Temperature

Windowsill Orchids prefer moderate temperatures, with an ideal range between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit during their dormant phase in winter but should not be subjected to temperatures below this point. Avoid placing your orchid near heat sources or drafts, as extreme temperature fluctuations can be harmful.

Pruning

Prune the Windowsill Orchid to remove any dead or damaged pseudobulbs and spent flower stems, which helps to encourage healthy growth and prevent disease. This is typically done after flowering or during repotting. Pruning is done on an as-needed basis rather than on a regular schedule. The best time for pruning is usually in the fall when the orchid has finished its blooming cycle.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Pleione (also known as the Windowsill Orchid) is a well-draining mix with equal parts of fine pine bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging between 5.5 to 6.5. This orchid thrives in dappled light with good air circulation around the roots.

Repotting

Windowsill Orchids should be repotted annually, best done after the flowering season when new growth begins. This helps to refresh the growing medium and accommodate the new roots, preventing root rot and maintaining plant health.

Humidity & Misting

Windowsill Orchids prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 80%. They thrive in moist air conditions, which mimic their native habitat, but do not like to sit in water or have wet roots for prolonged periods.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, ensure high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Shelter from direct sun; protect from frost and strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  9-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Pleione, commonly known as the Windowsill Orchid or Indian Crocus, begins with the germination of seeds, which, due to their symbiotic relationship with fungi, can be a challenging process. Upon successful germination and with appropriate care, the seedling develops into a young plant with a pseudobulb, which serves as a storage organ. Each year, the pseudobulb gives rise to a single leaf and potentially a flower stem, with striking blooms appearing in spring or autumn, depending on the species and cultivar. After flowering, the pseudobulb enters a period of dormancy, during which the existing leaf dies back, and the plant rests. A new pseudobulb then starts to develop, which will spring to life in the next growing season, continuing the growth cycle. This cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy repeats yearly, with the mature plant capable of producing offsets or additional pseudobulbs to propagate and expand its presence.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Pleione Shantung 'Muriel Harberd,' commonly known as the pleione orchid, is typically propagated through division. This process usually takes place after the flowering season when the plant is not actively growing, often in late summer to fall. To propagate pleione orchids by division, carefully remove the orchid from its pot and gently separate the pseudobulbs, ensuring that each new section has at least one growth bud. After separation, pot each pseudobulb in well-draining orchid media. This method allows for the quick establishment of new plants, replicating the parent plant's characteristics. It is important to maintain high humidity and appropriate temperature to encourage growth and rooting of the newly potted divisions.