Jewel Orchid info wanted - Orchid Board

buffalo · #1 12-08-2010, 05:37 PM

Saw a Jewel orchid at the store today and plan to purchase it; like to get information so i can successfully grow it.
I never had one before and had a hard time finding info mostly because the store person told me it was called joseph coat. I knew it was popular with orchid keeper because i had seen some at an orchid show a few years back. I scan alot of picture on this site til i finally found one.
So now help require, i might even set up a terrarium for it (or not havent decided yet). So help. thanks

RosieC · #2 12-09-2010, 05:56 AM

There are several different orchids known as Jewel Orchids and I'm not sure which you have. All I can find when searching for joseph coat is references to Jewel Orchid joseph coat and it's toxicity to cats, so I'm still no further forward.

Are you able to post a picture of it, or a link to the picture you found. That might help folks understand exactly what it is.

DelawareJim · #3 12-09-2010, 08:37 AM

Google jewel orchid, Ludisia, Macodes, or Anoectochilus and you should find a ton of information on them.

Generally, they like low to intermediate light, kept evenly moist in a loose medium like sphagnum and high humidity.

They mostly originate from southeast Asia and grow in the leaf litter on the ground. When it's time to repot, choose a wide pot like an azalea pot or bulb pan.

Cheers.
Jim

Paul Mc · #4 12-09-2010, 09:04 AM

If it is a Ludisia discolor, I have one of these and DelewareJim is correct that it likes low to intermediate light and to be kept evenly moist. I have actually found that using a terrestrial orchid planting mix works for me and have successfully gotten it to rebloom with minimal work. I have also read that they enjoy high humidity so I took it outside last year and it grew like crazy!

buffalo · #5 12-09-2010, 10:42 AM

Will pick it up today and setting up an terrarium for it .
Thanks

buffalo · #6 12-09-2010, 03:26 PM

http://idisk.mac.com/shutcha/Public/...scolor_3_s.jpg

Ludisia discolor care help, please

RosieC · #7 12-09-2010, 04:39 PM

Yeap, that looks like a Ludisia discolor. I grow mine in a partly shaded east window. I grow it in a mixture of potting compost, a small amount of fine bark, and a small amount of perlite. I water it as soon as it seems to dry slightly (can take a couple of weeks). Standard home temperatures seem to work fine for it. They seem pretty tolerant of most conditions. If the leaves start to get paler then the light is too high.

buffalo · #8 12-09-2010, 09:23 PM

I'm hoping for grea success , it was potted in all potting soil quite soggy. So i repotted it with a mixture of bark and potting soil. I also got two plants so i seperated them. Most of the info i got stated they like high humidity and pretty tolerable of soil conditions.

RosieC · #9 12-10-2010, 05:37 AM

Sounds about right. I did the same when mine came in plain soil and mixed some bark and perlite in.

However my Mum has been growing one I bought her last Christmas in the soil it came in and it's seemed pretty happy for her (although she had it in too bright light so it has gone a pale red instead of the nice dark colour).

I've heard they are pretty easy to grow, the only thing I found was that keeping it too dry meant mine didn't grow new shoots. When I slightly upped the water, while still making sure it was not too soggy, it jumpped into growth.

Paul Mc · #10 12-10-2010, 08:44 AM

As a terrestrial orchid, it is far more forgiving than other orchids in relation to the soil and being moist. That being said, like all plants, you don't want to overwater. I find that giving it a drink at least once a week works best for me in my growing conditions. And the soil amendments you've done sounds like it would work great. Enjoy this beauty! It generally blooms around Christmas time for me! Mine has 3 wonderfully tall spikes but no flowers yet (shouldn't be long though).