Can anyone tell me about Jewel Orchids?

[Rosiefuture]

Hi all,

I've just realised I have a Jewel Orchid. I got it from a rather 'hippyish' lady at a mystic fair. She called it a 'Silver Dove' orchid and I've never been able to find out anything about it. I was checking something on the net this morning and happened to see one just like mine and it was a Jewel Orchid.

I've had it for a few years and it's still quite small but fairly healthy looking. It's never flowered.

Are there care sheets on the board, I've never been able to find any.

Thanks
Marion

[Triffid]

First time I've heard this term.

So tried Wiki
Jewel orchid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Can anyone else confirm this or shed some light on it?

[Tropicgirl]

I have a Ludisia discolor and it has been a very easy orchid to keep.
I have it on my covered patio outside, it gets some morning sun and a little late afternoon sun. But mostly shade, most people have good luck with them even in deep shade.
Mine is in moss that I try to keep moist. It has gone dry a time or two with no ill effects.
Fertilize like other orchids.
It flowers in the winter months once the plant is mature.
This orchid can be grown from cuttings so it's easy to share, too!
I hope this helps!

[RosieC]

I think there are several different orchids in the group referred to as Jewel Orchids.

I have a Ludisia discolor which is one of the jewel orchids. They don't want to be in too bright light and aparently (so I've been told) very easy to care for, tolerating a wide range of enviroments. Mine just does nothing and I have no idea if it's happy or not, it does not grow but it does not seem to die either.

If you can point us to the link you saw that looks like yours we might be able to tell which sort it is... well I won't be able to tell but others here might.

[Royal]

Hi Marion,

As Angela and Rosie have stated, they're not too hard to care for. They are terrestrial, grow in deep shade, and like it nice and warm.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I think there are several different orchids in the group referred to as Jewel Orchids.

You're right Rosie. The term "Jewel Orchids" is too general a term.

@ Rosiefuture. It encompasses several genera of orchids. Some of which are closely related to each other, while others are not quite so closely related.

Originally Posted by RosieC

If you can point us to the link you saw that looks like yours we might be able to tell which sort it is... well I won't be able to tell but others here might.

@ Rosiefuture. Simply reiterating what Rosie had said. A link of what you think your plant is or a pic of your plant would be helpful.

Although as was mentioned, they generally grow terrestrially and usually grow in shady areas in intermediate to warm temperatures.

A specific identification will sometimes reveal much more.

[natasha]

i have 2 jewel orchids, actually 3 but the other went to heaven. one is ludisia discolor, can't remember what is the other's name. both are planted in spagnum moss, but the bottom half of the pot is charcoal. both are happy, lots of new shoots, originally only one. they don't need much sunshine, thrive on moisture

[Rosiefuture]

Hi,

Thanks everybody for all your help and advice.

I will take a photo of it later and post it here.

Marion

[growme]

I have one potted in soil that I keep outside almost year round. It is in dappled shade under oak trees. It spreads like tuber plants. New plants come up in the soil. It just finished blooming.

[Imperial_Exotics]

Hello......

a little late to the party here, but I only just joined today.

I raise a number of genus collectively referred to as Jewel Orchids. Currently I think we have like 22 or 23 species.

Some of this has already been mentioned, but I'll be specific where growing is concerned.

1. Jewel Orchids do best in very low light. Their normal habitat is among the leaf litter of the jungle floor, as such their normal environment is very dark. Grown indoors, a nice grow light is perfect.

2. Jewels love extremely high humidity. Their natural habitats often range from 80-100% humidity. This goes along with high temperatures. They really like 80+ degrees.

3. Their soil should drain easily otherwise they are prone to root rot. there are a number of simple mixes, some use coco soil, finely shredded bark and sand. Also, the addition of New Zealand Sphagnum moss is ideal, as jewels love acidic soil.

I grow these indoors in Clear top sterilite boxes, the bottom containing a product called Leca or Hydroton. It is a clay pellet that has capillary properties. On top of the hydroton is a coco soil mix with a layer of moss on top.

I water from the bottom as the leaves are very delicate and spraying them with water directly can discolor their velvety leaves.

hope this helps


Steve