not only because of it’s easy care the jewel orchid (ludisia discolor) became popular more and more over tha past few years. there are different forms available, “dawsonia” has brown and “alba” has green leaves. the south west asian native shows small white flowers between fall and spring.
care
the jewel orchid likes bright light and does very good on a north window. some morning and/or evening sun such as a light shaded place will be tolerated.
ludisia discolor needs a medium humidity and likes to be sprayed over with water from time to time. this also keeps her leaves free from dust.
it can be grown in a standard potting soil. i use a mixture of one part potting soil and one part sand, crushed rocks and orchid bark.
keep it moist but not wet, overwatering can cause root rot. a half diluted orchid fertilizer can be given monthly in spring/summer and every six to eight weeks in fall/winter. recently bought or repotted plants don’t need to be fed for the first six to eight weeks.
the jewel orchid can be cultivated at room temperature throughout the year with a winter minium of 15 °c (59 °f).
propagation
propagation of the jewel orchid is not difficult and can be done by cuttings.
