Help with jewel orchids....to start

[backyarder1]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum. My dear hubby passed away last year and I am trying to keep his orchids going. Unfortunately, I don't really know anything about them.

First up, I'm trying to save the beautiful jewel orchids, because they look the worst. We have always kept them outside (we live in Florida) and they just finished blooming. Now a lot of the leaves are very faded and limp. Should I just cut those leaves off? Does anyone know why they would turn pale like that? Those plants used to be so beautiful!

[judith_arquette]

So sorry for your loss. I'm just a beginner but I'm sure you'll get the help you need here. Good luck

[WhiteRabbit]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I don't know much about these, but I'm sure others will be able to help.

Do you have the kind with the very dark, velvety leaves?

[backyarder1]

Thanks Judith and Sonya.

[lexusnexus]

Let me also add my sympathies for your loss. But you now have a living memory of him through the orchids. Please don't hesitate to ask questions here. Lots of very knowledgeable people here who are more than willing to help. They've helped me immensely.

[RandomGemini]

Sonya, I posted on her other thread. She had pics of one of her plants there. I believe she has ludisia discolor var. alba. The veins appeared to be white, rather than red, but I'm not sure if that was just the lighting.

I too am sorry for your loss. I'm glad that he left something behind for you to continue in his absence. The fact that you want to continue his hobby after he's gone speaks volumes about the love that you shared.

I wish I could be of more help with your jewel orchids. I'm sure that someone here can get you started though.

Edited to Add:

If you lose a few orchids while you're figuring things out, that is totally OKAY! One of the things I have seen experienced growers say to the beginners around here, is that they had to kill a few plants before they figured out what they needed. So, if you do lose a few plants in the coming weeks, just keep the faith. If I can grow orchids, (my husband has lovingly called me 'she of the brown thumb' for years because I have killed numerous houseplants), then I believe that anyone can.

[backyarder1]

Thanks. I don't think I have lost any of the orchids yet. I had to decide which plants I could handle. I chose to try to keep the orchids and the roses going and I am letting the veggie plants go. But I definitely will keep posting my questions here as soon as I get the chance to figure out what kinds of orchids I have.

[lexusnexus]

If you get the chance please post some pictures. That will help with identification. I've grown many different types of plants and, believe it or not, orchids have been the most forgiving to grow. Their needs are not complicated, just different than other types of plants. The roots don't like wide open spaces to grow. They like close living conditions, just not crammed. Phals can pretty much dry out between waterings. Paphs like moist, but not wet, medium. Some like very bright, although not direct, light. Some like very low light.

Hope this gives some encouragement...

[backyarder1]

I'm going to work on that. I think me and my hubby took some photos at one time and labeled them. I just need to find them.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Ludisia discolor is one of the easier Jewel Orchids to grow. It doesn't require constant, high humidity to thrive.

Jewel Orchids in general don't like to go for days without water, but they don't like to be grown soggy wet all the time.

They are generally terrestrial/lithophytic orchids found from the forest floors and limestone rocks of much of tropical Southeast Asia.

Keep your Ludisia intermediate to warm (55 F - 95 F).

It does well in moderate to high humidity (60% - 90%).

Bright shade to moderately bright indirect light is appreciated.

Occasionally add a lot of dolomite to the soil.

Keep evenly moist. Do not dry out completely for more than 1 day (like I said, this is the most forgiving Jewel Orchid you can grow, other Jewel Orchids can outright shrivel if left completely dry after 1 day).

They have shallow roots, so do not grow them in deep pots, or the risk of rotting the roots out will be high. Not to mention, they don't produce a ton of roots like Phals or Cattleyas do.

I understand the sentimental value behind this orchid. I have an orchid that is dedicated in memory of my father who bought it for my mother before he passed away.

My condolences to you.