Are you searching for an adorable houseplant with stunning foliage, easy maintenance, and charming flowers? Look no further than the jewel orchid, also known as Ludisia discolor. These little gems have gained popularity due to their unique appearance and suitability for terrariums and windowsills.
Unlike other orchids that thrive on trees, jewel orchids are terrestrial plants that grow in the soil beneath the shade of tropical forests. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about jewel orchid care and why adding these cuties to your collection is a fantastic idea.
Meet the Ludisia Discolor
The jewel orchid, scientifically known as Ludisia discolor, is a plant that captures hearts with its velvety foliage. The leaves range from bronze to black in color with contrasting white to maroon veins, giving them a unique appearance.
Unlike other orchid species, jewel orchids have smaller leaves and stems known as pseudobulbs. These stems creep along the ground, spreading the plant by rooting into the leaf litter.
Ludisia discolor is the only species in the Ludisia genus and is also referred to as the tiger orchid or golden lace orchid. While native to Southeast Asia, it is now grown worldwide as a houseplant. In tropical climates, it can even be cultivated outdoors as a ground cover beneath large shade trees.
Ludisia Discolor Flowers (Jewel Orchid)
Jewel orchids typically bloom indoors as houseplants during the winter months, from December to March. However, it is possible for the plant to develop flower spikes at other times as well. The blooms are small, white, and delicately fragrant, with a faint yellow lip.
The flowers emerge from spikes that rise above the foliage and can last for several weeks. Although the foliage of jewel orchids is the main attraction, the flowers add an extra touch of beauty to the plant.
Each plant may have its own combination of leaf and vein colors, making them even more visually striking.
Best Light Levels for Ludisia Discolor Care
One of the advantages of growing jewel orchids is their tolerance for low light conditions. Unlike many other plants, jewel orchids evolved in the understory of tropical forests, where they thrived under constant shade.
Therefore, they can thrive in low light environments without any issues. Ideally, place your jewel orchid near a north-facing window in the northern hemisphere. Be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight, as this can cause damage.
While jewel orchids can survive with minimal light, they still require a few hours of indirect light each day to thrive.
Watering Ludisia Discolor
Since jewel orchids grow in damp leaf litter in their natural habitat, maintaining proper soil moisture is crucial for their care. Regular watering is essential, and you should never let the plant become bone dry.
To determine when to water, use your finger and the weight of the pot as indicators. Every week to 10 days, move the pot to the sink and run tepid water through it, ensuring thorough saturation of the potting mix.
Allow the excess water to drain fully before returning the pot to its original location. If the pot is placed on a saucer or inside a decorative container, make sure to empty any standing water to prevent root rot.
Choosing the Right Soil for Ludisia Discolor
Unlike epiphytic orchids that require specific potting mediums like orchid bark, jewel orchids have different soil requirements. Avoid planting them in loose, large-particled substrates and instead opt for a potting mix that provides good aeration.
A mixture of peat moss and perlite is an excellent choice. If desired, you can incorporate leaf compost or long-fiber sphagnum moss to mimic the decomposing leaf litter found in their natural habitat.
However, be cautious not to add too much, as excessive moisture retention can lead to root rot. A ratio of 1 cup of compost or sphagnum moss to 4 cups of potting soil is sufficient.
Fertilizing Ludisia Discolor
While fertilizing is essential for the health of jewel orchids, it is not as critical as it is for other orchid species. Orchid-specific granular or liquid fertilizers are suitable options for providing essential nutrients.
Apply the fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks from spring through fall. If orchid-specific fertilizers are not available, a houseplant fertilizer will also suffice.
However, refrain from fertilizing during winter, even if the plant is in bloom. Jewel orchids are not actively growing during this period and do not require additional nutrition.
Maintaining Proper Humidity Levels
Considering the native habitat of jewel orchids, maintaining the appropriate humidity level is crucial for their well-being. While they can tolerate a range of humidity levels, higher humidity is preferred. Proper watering practices can help maintain adequate humidity levels.
However, if you want to increase humidity further, there are a few methods you can employ. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water can raise humidity around the plant.
Additionally, using a cool-mist humidifier near the plants can provide a consistent source of moisture. Growing jewel orchids in terrariums is another effective way to create a high-humidity environment.
Repotting Ludisia Discolor
Every few years, you may find that your jewel orchid has outgrown its current pot and requires repotting. Select a container with a drainage hole that is approximately 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter than the previous pot.
When repotting, use the recommended potting mix mentioned earlier, ensuring that the top of the soil remains at the same level as before. Do not bury the plant deeper or shallower than it was previously.
Repotting provides an opportunity to refresh the potting mix and provide additional space for the roots to grow.
Propagating Ludisia Discolor
Although not necessary for the care of jewel orchids, propagation can be a fun and rewarding process. Ludisia discolor is incredibly easy to propagate.
To create new plants, take stem cuttings by removing a section of the stem and placing it in a jar of water or a pot filled with potting soil or long-fiber sphagnum moss.
Position the cutting in a north-facing window, and roots will develop within a few weeks. No additional steps, such as using rooting hormone, are required.
Propagating jewel orchids is as simple as that!
Additional Tips for Successful Ludisia Discolor (Jewel Orchid) Care
To ensure optimal growth and health for your jewel orchids, keep in mind the following tips:
- Avoid placing your jewel orchid near forced heat air registers, as it can dry out the plant too quickly.
- Protect the pot from cold drafts, keeping the temperature above 50°F.
- Consider moving the pot outdoors during the summer, placing it in a shady spot under a tree. Ensure regular watering, especially in hot weather, and bring it back indoors when temperatures cool in the fall.
- Jewel orchids are generally pest-resistant, but mealybugs may occasionally appear. Remove them by gently wiping the insects with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
- Some growers prefer to remove flower stems to focus on the unique foliage. If desired, use clean, sharp scissors to trim off the flower stalk as it emerges.
See the following article for more specific and comprehensive for caring for Jewel Orchids.
In Conclusion
Now that you have learned all about jewel orchid care, it’s time to add these stunning plants to your collection. Their velvety foliage, unique appearance, and ease of care make them a perfect choice for any plant lover.
Whether you place them in a terrarium, on a windowsill, or as a ground cover beneath a shade tree, jewel orchids will bring a touch of beauty to any space.
With the knowledge and tips provided in this guide, you are well-equipped to cultivate Ludisia discolor and enjoy the charm of these precious gems of the plant world.
For more information on caring for various houseplants, check out the following articles:
- How to repot a phalaenopsis orchid
- Plumosa ferns: a touch of feathery elegance
- The rex begonia vine: a versatile and stunning houseplant
- Growing string of dolphins plant: a whimsical addition to your collection
- Pilea peperomioides care: tips for growing the Chinese money plant
Now go forth and embark on your journey of jewel orchid care and cultivation!