I am often asked what I grow my plants in, and the short answer is that I use two methods. One is the 'usual' mix for compost (pine bark, chopped sphagnum, and perlite). The second method I use, and this is by far the exception rather than the rule, is growing in pure live sphagnum moss.

The pure moss method is something that was shown to me by a good friend some years ago and has been a really successful way for some of the plants - I must point out at this point that not all Pleione like this method or even thrive in it; some actively hate it! Those plants which I have found like the method really LOVE it and go on to produce huge, healthy bulbs.

I tried various containers and pots, and after a few years, I settled on Waterlily pots. This gives all-round aeration to the moss to prevent rotting and general sliminess and allows the moss to be very wet without drowning the bulbs.

More information on growing like this to come......