Macodes petola - Orchid Board

Lovecats · #1 10-26-2010, 05:56 PM

Hello again!
Another question...

I cannot find many info regarding this plant (at least in Italy).

I got one Macodes since a couple of months and it seems it's ok, but I don't know how to care..

For the moment I'm only observing and gathering, but.. any suggestion?

Zoi2 · #2 10-26-2010, 11:06 PM

I don't grow any of the jewel orchids but this site may be of interest to you. Orchid of the Week Library: Macodes petola (Jewel Orchid)
Joann

Lovecats · #3 10-27-2010, 01:07 PM

Thank you very much Joan!

Ray · #4 10-28-2010, 07:31 PM

I grow it in phalaenopsis conditions in sphagnum. it's a weed (with lovely, sparkling veins).

Lovecats · #5 10-29-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

I grow it in phalaenopsis conditions in sphagnum. it's a weed (with lovely, sparkling veins).

Totally in sphagnum?

My Macodes is growing quickly, this is what your mean by "weed"?

Ray · #6 10-29-2010, 06:48 PM

Yes, and yes.

Lovecats · #7 10-30-2010, 11:22 AM

Thank you Ray. My English knowledge is very bad and poor. Sometimes (often) I need clarification...

Paul · #8 10-30-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

it's a weed .

I WISH it would grow like a "weed" for me. I have found it to be a major "prima donna" even in a terr. *sigh* And it is such a beautiful plant when happy.

Imperial_Exotics · #9 10-30-2010, 06:15 PM

Mine grow like a very bad weed infestation.

Any of the Jewels do exceptionally well in a terrarium condition. They love very high humidity, low light and a fair amount of moisture.

I raise them in 3 different conditions.

1. All New Zealand sphagnum

2. Terrarium in a mix of coco soil, forrest floor shredded bark and sand with a little charcoal.

3. Straight Orchid Bark

Any of those will provide exceptional conditions for them. Petola tends to be a pretty rapid grower if it is happy.

I use aquarium water to water and fertilize. That shouldn't require explanation I think.

I also use a commercial Fish Emulsion fertilizer as well.

Jewels should not be saturated, if they do, they tend to root rot. If this happens, cut off the offending root, dip in Rootone, and grow it as a cutting until it has regenerated a nice root.

This also is a good way to deal with Jewels that have gotten a bit long and have had lower leaves drop off. If it looks lanky, cut it off and re grow it.