Pleione formasana

This is a tough and easy orchid when given the right conditions, having white pendulous trumpets speckled with yellow and pink, above which are pale pink winged petals. It is best grown in an alpine pan with humus rich compost consisting of 25% general purpose compost, 60% orchid bark (medium/coarse) 10% Perlite or Seramis and make up the remaining 5% with leaf mould and chopped sphagnum moss. Allow to dry out after October and bring back into growth in February. These beautiful plants will tolerate a light frost but best to grow in an alpine house or glasshouse.