Source: Wikimedia Commons
Taiwan Pleione
BeginnerPleione formosana
A Pleione native to Taiwan and south-eastern China that flowers in spring from round pseudobulbs. The pink flowers have a white, fringed lip marked brown inside. Among Pleione species it copes comparatively well with heat.
About
Pleione formosana is a deciduous terrestrial orchid of the genus Pleione; the epithet refers to Formosa, the old name of Taiwan. It is native to south-eastern China and northern and central Taiwan. Plants grow about 15 cm tall and 30 cm wide, each spherical pseudobulb producing a single pleated leaf. In spring, before the new leaf appears, a flower stem rises from the base of the pseudobulb bearing a pink flower whose white lip is fringed and marked brown inside. The pseudobulbs are renewed every year, and the plant sheds its leaf and goes dormant in autumn. Most Pleione species dislike heat and are hard to grow south of the Kanto region, but this one is less heat-sensitive than the Himalayan species and has been grown in Japan since the early Showa era. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Its Japanese name, tairin-tokiso, seems to borrow from the Japanese native tokiso (Pogonia japonica), but it belongs to a different genus and does not grow wild in Japan; it has sometimes been sold under the name tokiso, so take care. In Japan wildflower nurseries sell its pseudobulbs by locality and flower colour.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Taiwan Pleione
The Taiwan Pleione grows to About 15 cm tall and 30 cm wide.
Basic Info
Origin
South-eastern China and northern to central Taiwan
Lifespan
Perennial; renews its pseudobulbs every year and multiplies
Size
About 15 cm tall and 30 cm wide
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizer while in leaf
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Give bright partial shade during growth and avoid strong summer sun.
Watering
Keep the mix from drying out while in leaf, and water sparingly once the leaf falls in autumn.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is among the more heat-tolerant Pleiones, but keep it cool and airy in summer. It is rated H3 for hardiness in the UK; overwinter it dormant somewhere frost-free.
Soil & Repotting
Pseudobulbs are renewed each year, so repot into fresh mix in spring as dormancy ends.
Dormancy Care
It sheds its leaf and goes dormant in autumn; keep it fairly dry and frost-free while dormant.
Pests & Cautions
It is not the Japanese native tokiso (Pogonia japonica); it is sometimes sold under that name, so check the scientific or genus name when buying.
Taiwan Pleione FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Taiwan Pleione?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Taiwan Pleione get?
The mature size of Taiwan Pleione is About 15 cm tall and 30 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Taiwan Pleione?
Taiwan Pleione: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer while in leaf. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Taiwan Pleione?
The price of Taiwan Pleione varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan. It is not native to Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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