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Everything You Need to Know About Growing Jewel Orchids, According to a Pro

Jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor) in a pot

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Jewel orchids (Ludisia discolor), also known as tiger orchids, are a type of terrestrial orchid native to Southeast Asia. These easy-to-grow, low-light-tolerant orchids are prized more for their veined, iridescent foliage than for their relatively unshowy flowers. Unlike epiphytic orchids, which use their roots to cling to tree branches above the ground, Ludisia orchids grow in soil on the shady forest floor. With loamy soil, lots of humidity, and bright, indirect light, they can be grown indoors as houseplants in temperate climates.

Common Name Jewel orchid, tiger orchid, golden lace orchid
Botanical Name Ludisia discolor
Family Orchidaceae
Plant Type Perennial
Mature Size 4-12 in. tall and wide
Sun Exposure Partial
Soil Type Loamy, Well-drained
Soil pH Acidic
Bloom Time Fall, Winter
Flower Color White
Hardiness Zones  11-12
Native Area Southeast Asia

Jewel Orchid Care

  • Keep jewel orchids in a place with medium to low indirect light.
  • Plant them in a loamy, well-drained potting mix.
  • Water jewel orchids to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Feed these plants with an orchid-specific fertilizer during the growing season.

Light

Because jewel orchids naturally grow on the floor of the forest rather than higher up in trees, they're pretty tolerant to lower-light conditions.

Give them medium to low indirect light, such as from an east-facing or north-facing window. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can burn their delicate leaves.

Soil

Rather than using orchid bark, plant these terrestrial orchids in a standard potting mix containing peat moss or coconut coir and perlite.

You can add a few handfuls of additional perlite to support drainage. Because jewel orchids naturally spread, many gardeners prefer to pot them in a wide, shallow container—just make sure it has a drainage hole.

Water

Water jewel orchids when the top 2 inches or so of their soil has dried out. Rather than watering on a set schedule, check soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger in the pot.

Always use room-temperature water. Keep in mind that you'll want to cut back on watering in the summer to promote blooming later in the year.

Temperature and Humidity

Jewel orchids can withstand temperatures in the 90 to 95 degree range in summer, but they prefer cooler temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees in winter.

These tropical jungle plants grow best between 50 percent and 70 percent humidity. If you struggle with dry air in your space, consider putting your plant in a terrarium, or run a humidifier near your plant to add moisture to the air.

Fertilizer

Feed your jewel orchid with a liquid fertilizer designed specifically for orchids every two months or so during the growing season. Because jewel orchids take in nutrients from their leaves as well as their roots, it's best to spray the fertilizer on their foliage and on the soil. Fertilize only after watering your plant to avoid burning the roots.

Types of Jewel Orchid

  • 'Alba': This cultivar is named for the many silvery-white veins on its vivid green leaves.
  • 'Nigrescens': Instead of a net-like web of veins, this newer cultivar features one silver vein in the middle of each dark leaf.
  • 'Red Velvet': This jewel orchid cultivar has red veins running the length of dark, velvety leaves.
  • 'Green Velvet': This type is named for its deep green leaves with pale, silvery stripes.

Tip

In addition to Ludisia discolor cultivars, the term "jewel orchids" can also refer to certain plants in genera such as Anoectodes, Ludochilus, Macodes, Malaxis, and Dossisia.

Pruning

There's no need to prune your jewel orchid regularly, but you can snip off dead or damaged leaves at the base of the plant as they appear. Always use sharp, sterilized scissors or pruners to avoid transmitting diseases between plants.

Propagating Jewel Orchid

Unlike other orchids, jewel orchids are quite easy to propagate by rooting stem cuttings in water. You'll need a healthy mother plant, a small glass or jar, water, and clean, sharp pruners. Here's how to propagate jewel orchids.

  1. Choose a healthy stem that has several leaves. Make a cut at least four inches below the tip of the stem and remove it from the mother plant. Make the cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
  2. Place the cutting in the jar, then add tepid water so that the portion of the stem with no leaves is submerged.
  3. Put the cutting in a warm place with medium indirect light. Be sure to keep it out of direct sun.
  4. How long your cutting will take to root depends on the time of year and the conditions in your space, but you can expect to see roots growing within eight weeks. When the roots are about an inch long, you can pot up your cutting and care for the plant as usual.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Jewel orchids can fall prey to common insect pests like spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. In terms of diseases, they can be affected by issues like root rot and powdery mildew.

How to Get Jewel Orchid to Bloom

Jewel orchids bloom after a period of dormancy, which typically happens in summer. Pot-bound plants may be slightly stressed, making them more likely to bloom.

Cutting back on watering, keeping the plant in a space with cool night temperatures, and eliminating artificial light from your plant's room at night may also support blooms.

Bloom Months

Jewel orchids send up a flower spike several inches long in fall, winter, or early spring, depending on variety and conditions.

What Do Jewel Orchid Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Jewel orchid flowers are small and relatively unshowy compared to epiphytic orchids. White, trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow centers and a pink calyx grow along a green flower spike that grows from the crown of the plant. The flowers emit a mild, sweet fragrance but aren't particularly known for their aroma.

Deadheading Jewel Orchid Flowers

If you enjoy your jewel orchid's flowers, you can leave them on the plant, then cut back the flower spike when the blooms begin to fade.

Some growers prefer their jewel orchids with foliage only and cut off the spike when it first begins to emerge. Always use clean, sterilized scissors or pruners to deadhead jewel orchids.

Common Problems With Jewel Orchid

Leaves Turning Yellow

Watering your jewel orchid with cold rather than tepid water can shock the plant and cause leaf edges to turn yellow.

Exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees or overly bright light can also cause yellow leaves.

Browning Tips

Brown leaf tips may be a sign that your plant isn't getting enough humidity. Try keeping it in a terrarium, glass cabinet, or tabletop greenhouse, or run a humidifier near your plant to increase moisture in the air. Brown areas on leaves can also be a sign of too much sunlight.

FAQ
  • Are jewel orchids rare?

    Some cultivars of jewel orchids are hard to find, but many varieties are available in specialty plant shops or online.

  • How often do jewel orchids bloom?

    Jewel orchids bloom annually. Flower spikes can appear in fall, winter, or early spring.

  • What makes jewel orchids sparkle?

    The leaves of jewel orchids appear to sparkle thanks to the tiny, complex veins that give the leaves a velvety, glittery appearance.