Jewel Orchid Care Tips: How to Grow Jewel Orchids

A jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor) is a tropical plant native to the forest floors of Southeast Asia. Jewel orchid plants grow dark green leaves with bold pinstripe patterns. White flower spikes bloom during the fall, winter, and early spring. Jewel orchids can grow up to twelve inches tall and twelve inches wide.

Ludisia discolor is the only species in its genus. Popular cultivated varieties of jewel orchids include.

1. 1. Ludisia discolor ‘Nigrescens’: Commonly known as the black jewel orchid, this cultivar features velvety, maroon-black leaves and pink pinstripe markings.
2. 2. Ludisia discolor ‘Alba’: This cultivated variety has bright green leaves with white veins in detailed patterns.

Growing jewel orchids outside is a challenge in most climates. Grow jewel orchids as indoor plants by following these general steps.

1. 1. Use the right potting mix. Unlike most other epiphytic orchid species, jewel orchids are terrestrial orchids, which grow on the ground rather than in trees. Choose a well-draining potting soil that includes part orchid potting mix, part perlite, and part peat moss.
2. 2. Place your jewel orchid in indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaf tips on your jewel orchid. With a natural habitat of tropical forest floors, jewel orchids are well-adapted to low-light conditions. Monitor light levels and place your jewel orchid near a north-facing window if possible.
3. 3. Maintain a steady room temperature. Jewel orchids thrive in a room temperature between seventy and eighty degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperature fluctuations and keep your jewel orchid away from air vents.
4. 4. Monitor humidity levels. As tropical plants, jewel orchids need moderate to high humidity year-round—especially during the dry winter months. Consider adding some sphagnum moss to your potting soil to retain moisture. Use a pebble tray under your plant or place a humidifier nearby.
5. 5. Water your jewel orchid regularly. Water your jewel orchid whenever the top inch of soil is dry—typically every seven to ten days. Overwatering your orchid can result in root rot.
6. 6. Watch out for pests. Like other orchid species, jewel orchids are susceptible to pests, particularly mealybugs. If you notice a small infestation, lightly apply rubbing alcohol to the leaves to kill pests. For a larger problem, consider using a natural insecticide like neem oil.
7. 7. Repot your orchid when necessary. Repot your jewel orchid if you notice roots sticking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Typically, repotting is necessary every two to three years. When repotting, place fresh potting mix around the roots of the plant and consider propagating the plant to create even more houseplants.

Propagate your jewel orchid by cutting stems or dividing the roots while repotting.

• Cutting stems: For the stem propagation technique, use clean shears to make a cut right below a node on the stem. Place the cut stem into well-draining potting soil and water it weekly. Be aware that it can take weeks or months for the cut stem to grow a proper root system.
• Dividing the root system: Alternatively, you can divide the root system into two or three sections while repotting your plant. Be careful with this process as a mature jewel orchid’s roots can break apart fairly easily when repotting.

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