Page "Pleione (orchid)" Paragraph 2

The sympodial growth habit of terrestrial Pleione orchids is unusual.

They have relatively large, spongy, almost globular or ampulliform pseudobulbs, narrowed at the apex.

Every pseudobulb is only active for one year and carries one or two pleated parallel-veined leaves, with a length of 15-30 cm.

These drop off before winter.

The pseudobulb stays dormant, till a new one starts to develop.

This one produces new roots and a short pedicel.

This pseudobulb remains active till the end of the bloom.

Then the whole cycle starts all over again.