Contents
Description
Pleione Bucklebury, also known as the Himalayan crocus or orchid, is a beautiful and exotic plant that is native to the Himalayan region of Asia. It is a terrestrial orchid that grows in the wild on rocky slopes and crevices in the mountains. It is a popular ornamental plant that is often grown in gardens and greenhouses for its stunning flowers and attractive foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Pleione |
Appearance
Pleione Bucklebury is a small and compact plant that grows up to 15 cm tall. It has a pseudobulb that is covered with papery sheaths and produces a single, broad, ovate leaf that is up to 20 cm long. The plant blooms in the spring or early summer and produces a single flower that is white or pink with a yellow or pink lip. The flower is about 10 cm in diameter and has a sweet, fragrant scent. The plant goes dormant in the fall and winter, losing its leaves and remaining dormant until the spring.
Care Guide
Water: Pleione Bucklebury requires regular watering during the growing season, but it should be allowed to dry out between waterings. In the winter, the plant should be watered sparingly to avoid rotting.
Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half strength. No fertilizer should be given during the dormant season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark is a good choice.
Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Hardiness Zones: Pleione Bucklebury is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The plant is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. It can also be prone to root rot if overwatered or if the soil does not drain well.
Habitat
Pleione Bucklebury is native to the Himalayan region of Asia, where it grows on rocky slopes and crevices in the mountains. It prefers cooler temperatures and high humidity, and it is often found in areas that receive heavy rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pleione Bucklebury be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a bright, humid environment.
Q: How often should Pleione Bucklebury be repotted?
A: The plant should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its container.
Q: Can Pleione Bucklebury be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown from seed, but it can take several years to reach maturity.
Q: Does Pleione Bucklebury require a lot of maintenance?
A: The plant requires regular care and attention, but it is not overly demanding.
Related Plants
- Pleione formosana
- Pleione limprichtii
- Pleione maculata
- Pleione tongariro
References
- “Pleione Bucklebury.” The Orchid Society of Great Britain. https://www.osgb.org.uk/index.php/orchids/species-a-hybrids/pleione-bucklebury
- “Pleione Bucklebury.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c846
- “Pleione Bucklebury.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/243646/Pleione-Bucklebury/Details
