Terrestrial “Jewel” Orchids

[EdinAZ]

Hmmm . . . I guess there's no "terrestrials forum" here. Well, I'll just post here then!

I really enjoy all sorts of terrestrials, especially the “Jewel” type, and have a small collection of both. Little is blooming right now, but there IS some spike action, and I suppose I just couldn’t wait to post pictures.

From left to right they are:
• Anoectochilus burmannicus – foliage
• Anoectochilus burmannicus – spike
• Anoectochilus chapaensis – foliage and spikes
• Anoectochilus formosanus – foliage
• Anoectochilus formosanus – blooms
• Anoectochilus formosanus – bloom close-up
• Dossinodes Indra’s Net – foliage
• Dossinodes Indra’s Net – spike

Only one blooming now is formosanus. They bloom for a long, long time (usually a couple of months or more). They all have blooms that must be looked at closely to really be appreciated. Pretty unobtrusive in general, but the foliage is great. Some of the Anoectochilus look very similar to me (hopefully correctly labeled?).

Ed

[John D.]

Beautiful foliage. What is the growth habit? Do new growths start at the base ot do the plants branch higher up. Does the blooming growth die back or rebloom?

[Ross]

Wonderful Ed. I have

Anoectochilus chapaense
Anoectochilus roxburghii
Goodyera schlectendaliana
Ludisia discolor (very common)
Macodes lowii
Macodes petola

While there is not a specific Jewell Orchid forum, feel free to put your posts regarding these little guys in the Miscellaneous forum. There just aren't a lot of us growing these beauties - certainly not enough for a seperate forum.

[JennS]

How pretty! I have never seen so many types. Other than some Spathoglottis the only other terrestrial I have is the common Ludisia discolor, or so I assume that is what it is. I divided a larger plant my mom stumbled across, which was about nine growths. I took four of them and they have not even halted or appeared to have any shock! I ended up shocked instead as they just keep growing!

What do you have yours growing in? Some sort of rocks/pebbles? I planted mine up in some African Violet potting soil I had on hand from my Vanilla, and a mix of some medium size bark chips to aid in aeration. Does that sound OK? I am just asking the expert.... :

[EdinAZ]

Originally Posted by John D.

Beautiful foliage. What is the growth habit? Do new growths start at the base ot do the plants branch higher up. Does the blooming growth die back or rebloom?

John,

Most grow a long single stem, and also branch from the base, and (when the stem gets long enough) often from leaf nodes. They are all slightly different. They don't 'die back" after blooming, just the spike dies, but plant growth just continues. Eventaully they will (most varieties) end up with several growing (and blooming) stems.

Ed

[EdinAZ]

Originally Posted by JennS

How pretty! I have never seen so many types. Other than some Spathoglottis the only other terrestrial I have is the common Ludisia discolor, or so I assume that is what it is. I divided a larger plant my mom stumbled across, which was about nine growths. I took four of them and they have not even halted or appeared to have any shock! I ended up shocked instead as they just keep growing!

What do you have yours growing in? Some sort of rocks/pebbles? I planted mine up in some African Violet potting soil I had on hand from my Vanilla, and a mix of some medium size bark chips to aid in aeration. Does that sound OK? I am just asking the expert.... :bowing:

Jenn,

The Ludisa (Haemeria) are pretty much weeds in thier aggressiveness. I have a few different leaf color types. I grow them all now in a mix that contains a lot of "soil-less" planting mix, with small bark, charcoal and diatomite added. I've just started this about a year ago, I used to just grow them in potting mix. I have some older plants that are still all in the type of potting mix you've used (without bark, etc.) and they do well there.

By the way . . . I'm FAR from expert . . . I've killed a good number too.

Ed

[EdinAZ]

Originally Posted by Ross

Wonderful Ed. I have

Anoectochilus chapaense
Anoectochilus roxburghii
Goodyera schlectendaliana
Ludisia discolor (very common)
Macodes lowii
Macodes petola

While there is not a specific Jewell Orchid forum, feel free to put your posts regarding these little guys in the Miscellaneous forum. There just aren't a lot of us growing these beauties - certainly not enough for a seperate forum.

Ross,

That looks like a nice collection, very pretty, I'm sure.

I haven't figured out Macodes yet. Mine struggle (the ones that survive at all). It's hard to find good Species-specific culture info on terrestrial Orchids . . . or i just haven't looked in the right places.

I welcome suggestions and ideas from anyone here.

Ed