Macodes petola

[WaterWitchin]

I ordered a plant (mini mark) off an etsy dealer and also got a Macodes petola, both because the price was right. Won't go into the vendor, etc, because caveat emptor.

I've always wanted to try a jewel orchid and thought, Why not? Once I found my magnifying glass I located the macodes nestled down in a 2" pot with spagh for the medium. Have had it for about three weeks, and there's now a third leaf so I haven't killed it yet. Biggest leaf is about the size of my thumbnail now.

Has anyone grown jewel orchids, especially macodes, in semi-hydro? Everything I grow is semi-hydro or mounted. Growing in sphagnum long term makes me very nervous, as does a bark mix, but I'll do so if necessary. Or I do have a self watering violet pot I could stick it in. The old time two part ceramic kind.

I've already broken three of the "rules" of researching the plant first, researching the vendor, and not a clue as to whether this thing is even compatible to my culture or environment. Suggestions for its eventual survival?

[plantxart]

I’ve grown macodes. They are pretty easy to grow in terrariums. They don’t need a ton of light and they tend to be happier in higher humidity,

Not sure about semi-hydro. They have pretty fine roots so I think leca would not work. Maybe if you can find a smaller size leca?

[estación seca]

I have two jewel orchids now. I wouldn't try S/H for the reason given above, the very fine roots. Maybe when it begins growing abundantly you could try it.

They shouldn't dry out, ever. That tiny thing will be much happier in sphagnum for now. The best jewel orchid grower in our society uses straight bagged potting soil, but the good stuff, not the cheapo kind. She gives away pots full, several times a year, because plant lovers can't bear to throw away beautiful weeds.

It won't grow unless you fertilize it. I recommend pure water.

[Subrosa]

I grow a couple Anoectochilus in a mix of regular potting soil amended with a healthy portion of perlite.

[WaterWitchin]

I've tried growing violets (fine roots) in SH and they were "okay" but not great. Had no idea what the roots of this look like, so good info to know.

So maybe put it in my old-style violet pot, leave the sphag in the middle, then some potting soil with extra perlite to fill in around it. It can then grow into the other medium at its own pace. It's so small I hate to do much to it for now. Thanks for the suggestions. Will put into action later today!