Troubleshooting
Pleione bulbocodioides problems — and how to fix them
Pleione bulbocodioides (Pleione bulbocodioides) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Pseudobulb rot in dormancy
From excess moisture during the cold rest. Keep dormant bulbs cool and nearly dry, giving only the lightest watering to prevent complete shrivelling.
Failure to flower
Often too warm or too brief a dormancy, or poor summer growth. Provide a real cold rest and feed well in the growing season to build flowering-size pseudobulbs.
Slug and snail damage to emerging buds
New spring growth and buds are vulnerable. Use barriers or traps in alpine houses and gardens as plants break dormancy.
Soft or shrivelled pseudobulbs in growth
Dehydration or, conversely, rot from a soggy mix. Keep moisture even in a fast-draining compost and inspect roots if the bulbs keep softening.
Prevent pleione bulbocodioides problems before they start
Most pleione bulbocodioides issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pleione bulbocodioides in general rather than its problems? Read the full pleione bulbocodioides care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pleione bulbocodioides problems — FAQ
Why is my pleione bulbocodioides pseudobulb rot in dormancy?
From excess moisture during the cold rest. Keep dormant bulbs cool and nearly dry, giving only the lightest watering to prevent complete shrivelling.
Why is my pleione bulbocodioides failure to flower?
Often too warm or too brief a dormancy, or poor summer growth. Provide a real cold rest and feed well in the growing season to build flowering-size pseudobulbs.
Why is my pleione bulbocodioides slug and snail damage to emerging buds?
New spring growth and buds are vulnerable. Use barriers or traps in alpine houses and gardens as plants break dormancy.
Why is my pleione bulbocodioides soft or shrivelled pseudobulbs in growth?
Dehydration or, conversely, rot from a soggy mix. Keep moisture even in a fast-draining compost and inspect roots if the bulbs keep softening.