Jewel Orchid: 7 Best Care Tips: How to Grow Jewel Orchids”
The Jewel Orchid Anoectochilus formosanus, more commonly known as the Jewel Orchid, is a beautiful plant that is perfect for adding to your collection or terrarium display. It is native to Taiwan and has stunning mottled leaves with a copper pink underside. This orchid can be difficult to grow due to its high humidity needs and preference of bright light, but with proper care, you’ll soon have beautiful blooms to enjoy! Read on to learn how to care for the Jewel Orchid in your home or office environment.
jewel orchids varieties
Ludisia discolour: Known for its deep red or maroon leaves with silver veining.
Macodes petola is recognised for its striking metallic or iridescent foliage.
Anoectochilus chapaensis features intricately patterned, silver-marked leaves.
Goodyera pubescens is notable for its elegant, green, and silver-striped leaves.
Ludisia discolour var. alba: A variation of Ludisia discolour with white or cream-coloured leaves
Ludisia discolour var. nigricans: a variation with darker, nearly black foliage
Anoectochilus formosanus displays unique, dark green leaves with silver patterning.
Light requirements
Anoectochilus formosanus, more commonly known as the Jewel Orchid, is a beautiful plant that is perfect for adding to your collection or terrarium display. It is native to Taiwan and has stunning mottled leaves with a copper pink underside. This plant can grow up to 18 inches tall and will thrive in either indirect sunlight or low-light conditions.
Temperature requirements
The temperature in your home can have a big impact on how happy and healthy your plant is. The best temperature range for the Anoectochilus formosanus, the jewel orchid, is between 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit. For hotter climates (above 90 degrees), you will want to keep the jewel orchid near a cool window where it can get natural sunlight during the day and room temperature at night. For cooler climates (below 50 degrees), you will want to keep the jewel orchid near a sunny window where it can get natural sunlight during the day and slightly warmer than room temperature at night.
Humidity
Jewel orchids thrive in high humidity environments. To keep them healthy, mist their leaves with water and place their pots near a humidifier or under the kitchen faucet. The potting soil should also be moist at all times so it can absorb any extra water.
You may want to take the plant out of its pot before watering it if you’re concerned about getting dirt on your floor.
Watering
It is important to keep the Jewel Orchid’s soil moist. Allow the potting mix to dry out a little before watering again. Water until excess water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Do not allow water to pool in the pot, as this will cause root rot and plant death.
Fertilizing
It is important to fertilize your plants on a regular basis, especially during the summer months when plants are growing most quickly. The best time of day to fertilize is in the morning or evening, so that your plant has enough time to absorb the nutrients. It is also important not to over-fertilize as this can burn your plant’s roots. A good rule of thumb is adding a quarter cup of fertilizer every two weeks and only watering once the top inch of soil has dried out.
Repotting
Jewel orchids should be repotted every 3-4 years. This is done in the spring when the plant starts growing. The best time of year to do this is when the plant’s dormancy period has ended, usually around March or April.
The potting mix should be made up of a well-drained organic soil that retains moisture, but drains quickly. Perlite can also be added to help improve drainage and aeration in the potting mixture.
Pests and Diseases
The most common pest of the jewel orchid is mealybugs which can be controlled by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol. Other pests include scales, thrips, spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars. Jewel orchids are susceptible to fungal infections like black root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. To avoid these diseases it’s important to provide good air circulation and keep humidity levels low.
