Ludisia Discolor

[Faz]

Where would I find this type of orchid so that I may understand how to care for it. I do not see it under any of the orchid types listed on this site.

Thanks for any and all help....Faz

[slipperfreak]

Probably under "Miscellanous and Other Genera". It is a terrestrial that grows in fairly low light and intermediate temps. It likes moderate moisture and can be grown in peat with some bark, perlite, and charcoal added. The aim is quite consistent moisture without becoming wet/soggy/stale. So they should dry a little between waterings but not dry out completely. It's very easy to grow. Also, it is best grown in wide, shallow bulb pots/pans.

[Judi]

There is information out there on OB, you can do a search for Ludicia Discolor to find threads about this orchid.

[Faz]

Originally Posted by Judi

There is information out there on OB, you can do a search for Ludicia Discolor to find threads about this orchid.

Thanks.....I'll give it a try. I am noticing that I am getting a red blotch on each of the new growth leaves????

Faz.

[cb977]

A few years ago, I had a very large pot full of this one. Little by little, I startedlosing it and by the end there was just one little healthy piece left!

As a last resort experiment (hey, if ya think it's dead anyway, why not try something different? ) and just placed it on top of a shallow pot (which happens to have no drainage holes ) full of good quality sphag moss and

Fast forward to now...

I barely mist the top of the sphag maybe once a week, keep it in a rather shaded spot and now there are a number of new growths slowly crawling across the top, barely under the moss...and that original little piece? In spike!!!

Miracles DO happen!

[RosieC]

It's suposed to be an easy one to care for from what I've heard. I've only had one for a few months so can't comment too much.

I have mine in what looks like potting soil, but I'm planning to mix in perlite once it's finished flowering as it seems to stay wet too long.

I've heard that if the light is too high it will get paler.

I'm not sure what the red blotch may be. Hopefully someone else will know if that is normal.

[Judi]

I've grown them for about 15 years. I also heard they were easy to grow--for me that is the case but over the years I have given away loads of plants to friends and the majority of them have died--even though I pass on growing instructions with the plants . I don't know about the red marks on the leaves, but a few years ago I nearly lost my entire collection (2 large pots). I noticed some of the stems drying up, but I didn't pay enough attention to it until it was almost too late. Turns out I had some sort of mites that were sucking the life out of the stems--only the stems. It took a magnafying lens to see the buggers. Safer Soap worked and the Ludicia seemed to love Safer Soap It took quite a few sprayings and repottings before I got them all. Now my Ludicia is thriving gain, I splurged on the Classic Jewel Orchid mix from Repotme and they just love it. I grow mine in bright light conditions.

[Faz]

Thank-you to all for responding to my question. It's nice when you have a group that likes to work together and help one another.

Faz......

[cb977]

That's what OB is all about! Our members are the best!

[LadySoren]

Originally Posted by Judi

I've grown them for about 15 years. I also heard they were easy to grow--for me that is the case but over the years I have given away loads of plants to friends and the majority of them have died--even though I pass on growing instructions with the plants . I don't know about the red marks on the leaves, but a few years ago I nearly lost my entire collection (2 large pots). I noticed some of the stems drying up, but I didn't pay enough attention to it until it was almost too late. Turns out I had some sort of mites that were sucking the life out of the stems--only the stems. It took a magnafying lens to see the buggers. Safer Soap worked and the Ludicia seemed to love Safer Soap It took quite a few sprayings and repottings before I got them all. Now my Ludicia is thriving gain, I splurged on the Classic Jewel Orchid mix from Repotme and they just love it. I grow mine in bright light conditions.

I know this is an old thread, but do you happen to have a copy of your instructions sheets? Can you type me a list?