Tibetan Peacock Orchid - Tuber
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.
Pleione Tongariro is a dwarf orchid from Tibet. Its lanceolate leaves are ribbed and appear after the flowers. When it is in bloom you can enjoy this plant indoors too (although generally speaking it is an outdoor plant). A cool area in the rock garden is also ideal for this little orchid.
Pleione Tongariro belongs to the family of orchids and orchidaceae is a very exciting family to belong to. Orchids often try to resemble certain female insects in order to attract male insects of that particular type and have them mate on their flowers. This false mating is simply used as a way to distribute the pollen on the stamens, and this then forms seed. This imitating of female insects can go really far as not just the shape of the flower but even the production of certain pheromones (a fast dissipating scent that can influence sexual behaviours) is used by the flowers to attract the males.
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.