Macoda petola

[Birdwoman]

Hi everyone - I'm new here. I'm in the UK and am an enthusiastic amateur orchid keeper, specialising in small species for a terrarium. I have recently acquired a sick-looking Macoda petola. I've researched its care online and have conflicting instructions on its cultivation; some sources say it needs high humidity and to be kept moist at all times, others say it should be kept at medium humidity and allowed to dry out between waterings. Can anyone help please?

[Kevinator]

I think you mean Macotes petola. These are rather warm growing orchids that are similar to the Ludisia jewel orchids. seeing how you have a terrarium, humidity won't be a problem but air circulation might. It's leaves are fragile so don't try to bend them (also to mention is don't get too much water on them, they hate it). As far as watering goes, moist soil is a must however it can't become soggy. The regime will be determined by your humidity.

[MattWoelfsen]

Hello Birdwoman, welcome to Orchid Board! You have what is known as a Jewel Orchid. It is one of the few terrestrial orchids I own. I have owned this plant now for the last five months and I have struggled trying to figure out how to keep it alive.

You are right, there are a lot of conflicting information on how to grow this plant. Here is what I have done to my plant, and it seems to be working.

I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA. So take my advise with a grain of salt: I am in a deep freeze Winter here. I have my plant in a bright southern facing room but not direct light. Average daytime temps is 68-70*F, night time drops around 60*F. It is in a slotted pot. However, when Spring rolls around, I'm repotting this plant in a shallow pot. Where its branches can lay ontop of the potting media and take root.

I have this plant potted in layers. The bottom layer is a small guage pine bark orchid mix that includes perlite, charcoal, and bark. Then a layer in potting soil used for African Violets (Saint Paulia ionantha). And on top of this soil layer, I have the same small guage pine bark orchid mix laying on top to retain moisture.

I am watering my plant at least once a week, going almost dry. I know it is too dry when the leaves start looking wilted. I use luke warm water. I have not fertilized this plant since I repotted it in soil...that has been about a month now. I'll start fertilizing weekly, weakly when the weather warms up. Try not to get water on the leaves as it leaves a residue.

I hope this helps you. You can do a search in this board for "jewel orchids" and you might find other ideas and beautiful pictures. I hold this Orchid Board totally responsible for getting me to buy this plant!

[Paul]

LOL. Sorry Kevin, but that name is also wrong. It is Macodes petola.

BW, IME, petola can be a bit of a prima donna -- though I know a number of poison dart frog keepers who find the plant to be very easy. With that in mind:
Light: Phal levels should be good (no direct sun)

Temps: Intermediate to warm (20-26C ... can handle warmer with good air circulation but does not require warmer ... dart frog folks tend to keep temps around 20-22C for the frogs)

Moisture: Do not allow to dry out. Keep moist not soggy

[yoliejr]

I too, have this plant and live in NYC. I'm not going to parrot everyone else, but i've fallin in luv with the jewels...so i have ludisia, some crosses, polyploid, and now hunting for more types! Good growing...

[Birdwoman]

Sorry guys - yes Macodes petola. Many thanks for the very helpful advice. I have it at rather lower temps than you suggest, but so far it's looking quite good - definitely better than a week ago. It has only two small leaves, one already brown and shrivelled, but the other looking quite healthy, and a new one in sight, so fingers crossed.