Ludisia discolor care help, please

[VickiC]

Hi everyone,
I just received a Ludisia discolor this last week in the mail that I had ordered recently. I can't find much on the net about how to care for it, so I'm hoping some of you won't mind helping me with watering...light, etc. care info. I potted it in about 1/3 reg. potting soil, 1/3 perlite and about 1/3 fir bark orchid mix. I hope that is ok ?? I'm sending a pic of it.
One more thing: I can't help but feel guilty that I'm always asking questions but not able to help anyone else out with their questions. Hopefully one day I can....(??)....when I learn enuff to keep myself afloat first. lol
Vicki

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Ludisia discolor is a "Jewel Orchid". It is a terrestrial.

Grow like a potted house plant. There are potting soils of all sorts you can use. I like the organic kind with the mycorrhizal fungi included. Since you've got it potted in a mix of your own, I suggest adding a little organic mulch to the mix.

Put in a pot that's just big enough to snugly fit the root mass. This prevents overwatering and root rot.

Keep evenly moist. Allow it to dry out between waterings.

Grow in shade or bright shade.

This species is much more forgiving with humidity than the rest of the "Jewel Orchids", but it should be around 60% at the very least or higher (the higher, the better).

Flowers are about 1/4" and white on a 8"-10" upright inflorescence with about 10 - 15 flowers.

Moderate air circulation is fine.

[cb977]

I grow mine in a mix of potting soil with additional perlite and charcoal mixed in. I keep it shaded.

...and one day, you'll find yourself answering questions for other folks

[Lorraine]

Hi Vicki,

The above advice is what I would have also given you about growing the Jewel Orchid. Mine grows in the bathroom with bright light all day but no sun on it.
Don't worry about getting so much info and not giving back yet. You'll be surprised when you come up with an answer that has helped you and you get to pass it along I started out asking lots of questions and still ask OB never lacks answers!!!

[VickiC]

King, did you receive my re-reply to you about the answer you gave me concerning my Orchid problem yesterday? I sent one, but I'm not sure if it went through, because I can't see it when I look in the forum. It was in the "Beginner Discussion" forum. I'm wondering if there was a "computer connection blink".....or maybe it's just me. Most likely, it's me. I don't know how to contact a moderator or someone for "support", so would someone please tell me how? Thanks, Vicki

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Ludisia discolor is a "Jewel Orchid". It is a terrestrial.

Grow like a potted house plant. There are potting soils of all sorts you can use. I like the organic kind with the mycorrhizal fungi included. Since you've got it potted in a mix of your own, I suggest adding a little organic mulch to the mix.

Put in a pot that's just big enough to snugly fit the root mass. This prevents overwatering and root rot.

Keep evenly moist. Allow it to dry out between waterings.

Grow in shade or bright shade.

This species is much more forgiving with humidity than the rest of the "Jewel Orchids", but it should be around 60% at the very least or higher (the higher, the better).

Flowers are about 1/4" and white on a 8"-10" upright inflorescence with about 10 - 15 flowers.

Moderate air circulation is fine.

[Christinabee]

Hey there. I have my Jewel in spag. moss and keep it evenly moist. I don't ever let it dry out completely, though, just enough so that it doesn't feel "damp" and then water again. (once every other day to 2 days since I live in very dry conditions in Colorado). I have it in bright light but no direct sunlight (it gets a little upset with that). This plant is a prolific grower! I got it 7 or 8 months ago and it was puny when I got it and it is growing like a weed.

I hope this helps!

[VickiC]

Hi Christina,
Thanks so much for your info. For one thing, I was confused about whether or not it should be potted in soil since it is terrestrial. Wasn't sure about lighting condtions, either. So, anyway, I really do appreciate your input. Keep your fingers crossed for me that I care for it correcty..and that it grows well. I'm glad to hear you're having good luck. Thanks again, Vicki

I have my Orchid in reg. potting soil,

Originally Posted by Christinabee

Hey there. I have my Jewel in spag. moss and keep it evenly moist. I don't ever let it dry out completely, though, just enough so that it doesn't feel "damp" and then water again. (once every other day to 2 days since I live in very dry conditions in Colorado). I have it in bright light but no direct sunlight (it gets a little upset with that). This plant is a prolific grower! I got it 7 or 8 months ago and it was puny when I got it and it is growing like a weed.

I hope this helps!

[Christinabee]

Sure thing! I would definitely pot it in the Sphag. Moss and not in decorating moss, bark or soil. The Sphag moss keeps the proper moisture, and my plant is thriving in it, as is another orchid friend of mine who has 2 of these (in the same moss and low/medium lighting).

Also note that you will need to re-pot this every year to keep the moss fresh so the roots don't rot.

Good luck!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

There must've been a computer glitch, I didn't know you asked me a question VickiC.

Ludisia discolor can be grown in soil. It can also be grown in moss.

I just thought it be an easier choice for you, since you did the bark and perlite thing already. Mixing a bit of potting soil with the bark and perlite will do no harm.

As for growing in moss, there's really not much to say, it's self explanatory. Same rule of growing in a pot size big enough for the roots to snuggly fit inside applies. Keep evenly moist, and allow to dry out completely between waterings.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

As for lighting, if you've grown Phalaenopsis or Bulbophylluns successfully, then you know how bright it should be for the Ludisia.