Pleione 2014

[Steve Garvie]

Thanks for posting Paul!

I bought a Pleione "albiflora" in response to a special offer email I received from Medlock Valley Orchids. The email linked to a page on the website which highlighted the rarity of this species and went on to state that Paul Cumbleton himself had confirmed the veracity of the (three) pseudobulbs on offer.
Here are a couple of views of the "albiflora" that I bought from Medlock Valley Orchids:





When I first received this pseudobulb I raised concerns over its appearance with Stuart Pointon, the owner of Medlock Valley Orchids. It looked quite different to other pseudobulbs of "Pln albiflora" that I had bought elsewhere -but were apparently of the same provenance.

Stuart replied to my email: "The Albiflora is 100% true and seems to have come from the same source as yours and I did have this confirmed by Paul before I bought them. If anything you ever buy from me proves to be wrong at anytime I will replace or refund with no questions asked as orchids are my true hobby and I know how disappointing it is to receive the wrong plant. My home number is xxxxxxxxxxxx which you can contact me on anytime but this is not for public distribution as it is my house."

Now that the pseudobulb has flowered it looks to me like a rather ordinary small-flowered Pleione humilis and certainly does not have the characteristic prominent saccular pouch at the base of the lip ( see the second image here: http://www.orchideenkultur.net/index.php?topic=1797.210  ).

 

[karel_t]

Hi Steve
There is very sad to see this Stuart's deception. However this is really true P. humilis 
I'm interesting who has the flowering plants from Paul's seeds, because my three years old seedlings are still in flasks and they grow very slowly and reluctantly.
K.

[Slug Killer]

Hi Steve
There is very sad to see this Stuart's deception. However this is really true P. humilis 
I'm interesting who has the flowering plants from Paul's seeds, because my three years old seedlings are still in flasks and they grow very slowly and reluctantly.
K.

I have four bulbs with two in bud. They came direct from Germany after they were bought from Camiel and should flower in about a week, fingers crossed they don't abort last minute.

Also have a few in flask which don't seem to be getting any bigger after two years.

[Alex]

This is Pleione albiflora from Paul Christian, which is fortunately the right thing....I have another direct from Christian Schrenier, which also looks correct but is not quite open yet. Both are from the Paul Cumbleton seed I believe. I am glad that you have some from another source, Steve, I'm sure those will be correctly named. As for the business ethics of Stuart Pointon....

Also coming out today are Pleione Leda 'Palm Thrush' and P. Quizapu 'Peregrine'. Pleione season is underway...

Alex

[Tony Garthwaite]

Isn't it interesting how early and late some of the species and varieties flower? Also how the latitude and longitude affect the blooming season! Situated on the East Coast of England, I have to part the sphagnum in order to see any hint of a flower bud on Forrestii  and yet we are seeing photos of other examples of this specie in flower already in other parts of Europe.
Anyway, I am really pleased with my latest acquisition which has proved to be the first Pleione to flower for me this year. Pl. Melbury 'Christine Walker', (Pl. formosana ‘Avelanche’ x Littondale ‘Oxnop’) So I attach a couple of photos for you to enjoy!

[SteveC2]

It isn't where they are that dictates flowering time Tony.  How much heat you give them is the vital factor.  Some of my tropical growing friends' pleiones have finished flowering because they keep them at 10-12 degree minimum whilst my cold grown (Lincolnshire) plants are just getting going.  My forrestii started flowering in mid February but others, kept in the same conditions are just coming.  Just shows the variability within a species let alone between species.

[Steve Garvie]

Pleione forrestii white form





Pleione albiflora  .......finally!

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Two tremendous plants Steve !   

[erf]

Very nice plants Steve. A very nice albiflora clone. I have my second
 clone comming up in a week or so. It should be the same type as yours. Where did you get yours from?
Regards Erling

[Cyril L]

Pleione forrestii white form
Pleione albiflora[/size][/i][/b]  .......finally!

Steve you have finally tracked down P. forrestii white form.
Both these pleiones are superb.

[gregork]

Steve all i can say is WOW 
Very nice. The albiflora clone is stunning! Good work

Regards
Gregor

[Pete Clarke]

Fabulous Pleiones Steve and excellent photos.
The forrestii alba has lovely symmetrical markings.
Cross the two to make a nice Pl. confusa alba ??

Pete.

[Steve Garvie]

Thanks guys!

Erling the albiflora came from Paul Christian who was supplied by Christian Schreiner who bought the plants from Camiel du Jong who grew them up from seed obtained from Paul Cumbleton's albiflora.

The albiflora I bought from Medlock Valley Orchids at great expense has miraculously turned into a Pln humilis!  Do you think I have any chance of a refund?   

[Pete Clarke]

Eiger, cream form. A dainty, small flowered form.
Various Sifaka's.
The yellow clones are washed out with my Olympus camera and the reddish tone to the petals is accentuated, despite trying all the adjustments I know. Do any other Olympus owners find that capturing true yellow is a problem and which camera brand is best for true colour rendition?

[erf]

Thanks guys!

Erling the albiflora came from Paul Christian who was supplied by Christian Schreiner who bought the plants from Camiel du Jong who grew them up from seed obtained from Paul Cumbleton's albiflora.

The albiflora I bought from Medlock Valley Orchids at great expense has miraculously turned into a Pln humilis!  Do you think I have any chance of a refund?   

Hello Steve
I bought my second albiflora directly Schreiner, so interesting to see what it will look like.
To get a refund from Medlock Valley Orchids...... don't raise your hope to high. He simply stoped answering me when I complained about plants never delivered. Stay away form this guy.
Regards Erling