Ludisia discolor (jewel orchid)

In the broader sense, "jewel orchids" include all orchids cultivated primarily for their patterned foliage. In the narrower sense, the term "jewel orchids" refers exclusively to the representatives of the subtribe Goodyerinae (nerve-leaf orchids); however, some other, unrelated orchids are also called jewel or ornamental-leaf orchids.

These are mostly terrestrial species that camouflage themselves with their patterned leaves on the forest floor. However, the term "terrestrial" often evokes the wrong associations here. Most of these colorful-leafed, terrestrial orchids do not grow in classic, humic forest soil, as known from our latitudes, but on nutrient-poor clay soils with a minimal humus layer, or they grow on rocks, ledges, and similar places, not directly on the ground, but rather lithophytically. This must also be considered for long-term care.

The Jewel Orchid is a plant of the forest floor and accordingly does not require much light. A rather weak illumination of 1,500 to 3,000 lux or 35 to 70 PPFD (µmol/m²/s) is sufficient for it. The leaves develop their best color with less light, but then it also grows significantly slower.

It likes a humidity of 70% or more. It can also grow in still air and 100% RH, but then one must be careful about standing water on the leaves. It likes warmth.

Temperatures of 22 to 28°C lead to the best growth. Especially with very moist substrate, the temperature should also be high, otherwise it tends to root rot.

This jewel orchid prefers a rather coarse, airy, and evenly moist substrate. In nature, this plant grows on very nutrient-poor soil.

In the rainforest, there is little to no humus, as known from native forests. A thin layer of leaves/detritus, only 1 to 3 cm thick, is usually followed directly by dense clay soil or rock. The roots of the plants creep along the surface under the thin layer of leaves and almost never penetrate deeper than a few centimeters into the clay soil. This plant should therefore be potted in a loose, only slightly acidic (pH value of approx. 5.5 to 6.5) and airy mix. It grows very well in coconut chips mixed with some Sphagnum moss or tree fern fiber. This is the same mixture we recommend as a substrate for typical tropical terrariums.

It also grows well in a purely mineral substrate, like our ASP-Mix, but we recommend not repotting it immediately after arrival, as this can cause it great stress. Most of our plants are already potted in the substrates we recommend and can remain in them.

The stem should never be buried, but only rest loosely on the substrate. Adventitious roots will then form along the stem.

Jewel orchids can also be kept lithophytically in a terrarium. A small crevice between two stones, filled with some substrate, is enough for them to grow. This also most closely resembles their natural growth.

This jewel orchid should never completely dry out, but it also does not tolerate waterlogging well. The substrate can even dry out on the surface. In a terrarium, care should be taken to ensure that its leaves do not remain wet for too long, as this can lead to rot. It prefers soft water from a reverse osmosis system or rainwater. Ideal conductivity is approx. 20 – 100 µS/cm.

When cared for under grow lights, it can be fertilized year-round. It does not grow particularly fast. It should receive an orchid fertilizer (without carbamide nitrogen) approximately every 2 to 3 weeks. We recommend halving the dosage indicated by the manufacturer (this corresponds to a fertilizer conductivity of approx. 300 µS/cm).

In a well-established, bioactive terrarium, it does not need to be fertilized.