This little plant has gained quite a bit of popularity in recent years, capturing the hearts of many a plant lover. Despite the fact that jewel orchids can form extremely cute flowers in autumn, this is often not the reason why these gems are chosen. In fact, the jewel orchid is mostly praised for their beautiful foliage.
We too are fans of these beauties and have several jewel orchids in our assortment. Among others, we have the Anoectochilus formosanus, Dossinia marmorata, Anoectochilus roxburghii x Ludisia discolor (Anoectochilus Spiderman), Anoectochilus albolineatus variegata and the Macodes petola in our assortment. The total overview of our jewel orchids you can find on the page Jewel Orchids page.
Provenance
Jewel orchids are terrestrial orchids. Naturally, they occur mainly in Southeast Asia and in areas near the Pacific Ocean. Here they grow in the soil of the tropical forest under the shade of other tropical plants.
There are several species that are in the class jewel orchid. In fact, the term is used for orchids that possess distinctive markings on their leaves, so it is an umbrella term.
Light requirements
A jewel orchid likes to stand in bright indirect light. Despite being naturally shaded by other plants, they grow best if not placed too dark. You may want to consider placing your jewel orchid under a grow light place. However, do not place a jewel orchid in full sunlight or too close to a grow light. This is because the bright (sun) light can damage your jewel orchid.
Temperature
A jewel orchid thrives best at a constant temperature between 16 and 25°C. Therefore, they can be kept at room temperature just fine. Do not let the temperature drop below 10°C. These gems cannot stand that. Location a jewel orchid also not too hot, otherwise they can be damaged. A place away from heat sources and out of drafts will greatly appreciate your jewel orchid.
Watering
A jewel orchid likes a slightly moist substrate. Make sure this beauty does not get its feet wet, or it may develop root rot. Between waterings, you may allow the top layer of soil to dry up before re-watering. The substrate should never dry up completely.
During the growing period you can support your jewel orchid in its growth by occasionally adding diluted fertilizer to the water.
By the way, the particularly beautiful jewel orchid likes to stand is a well aerated and draining substrate.
Humidity
Generally keep jewel orchids like moderate to high humidity (50 - 70%). In fact, Macodes petola prefers humidity between 70 - 90%.
This also makes a jewel orchid ideal to keep in a terrarium or under a glass dome. Please note that any flower in a terrarium or under a glass dome will perish sooner. (And if you are not a fan of the cute flowers in your jewel orchid, you can pinch off the buds before they bloom.
