Pleione formosana, commonly known as Windowsill Orchid, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous perennial herb that is native to cool temperate forests, often in montane regions, of Southeastern China and Taiwan. It typically grows to 15 cm (6 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide. The plant is characterized by its spherical pseudobulbs from which a single folded leaf emerges. During the spring flowering season, it produces striking pink flowers with fringed white lips that are prominently marked and mottled with brown on the inner surface, making the flowers quite showy.

The Windowsill Orchid is valued for its ornamental flowers and compact size, which makes it suitable for container gardening and small spaces. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use. In regions like the UK, it is hardy to H3, meaning it can be grown outdoors in mild, sheltered areas where the soil remains moist. Alternatively, it thrives under glass in a cool position. For optimal growth, it requires part shade to full shade, consistent medium moisture, and well-drained soil with good organic content. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to overwatering and root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0