I recently purchased a Ludisia Discolor( a Jewel Orchid) and did not get any growing instructions with it. What I would like to find out is: what is the proper potting mixture, when I should repot and the proper watering and fertilization to bring it into bloom.
Ludisia is an easy orchid to grow. I presume you have it in the house. here is one link that tells about it and its varieties. http://www.speciesorchids.com/ludisiaDiscolor.html You may want to google for more info. I grow mine in a greenhouse. I use my own special mix for it which is basically a mixture of different kinds of wood products. This plant is moderately tough and will take some drying as well as mushy conditions. I think the main thing is humidity. If you have an old aquarium I would put it in it and cover it and set it near an east or north window. Fertizilize it when it is actively growing. It grows new side branches from which flower spikes arise. Hope this helps.
terrestial_man; Many thanks for your informative response. Yes I do have mine in the house, in an east window in front of a mirror about 4 feet from the window. I have noticed 2 new shoots coming from the soil, so I guess that it is happy where it is. I shall look up the sites that you mentioned. again many thanks.
TCW Just a note to let you know that if you can grow Ludisia discolor well you may find some of the other Jewel Orchids of interest. http://www.fantasticfrogs.com/ Has images of some. Since you are in Canada there are probably Canadian orchid growers that may carry these. Check it out. If you cannot find one let me know as I know of one but the link is buried at the moment-I really need to do something with My Favorites mile long list! Cheers.
My 2 Ludisias live near a south-facing window, where they receive curtain-filtered natural light. Got the first in July 2006 in a 3" pot: it is now 18" tall, has produced 2 more sprouts, and bloomed in May 2008. Jewels are grown for their foliage, but their flowers are great too---spike had at least 20 small white blossoms! ---I believe that jewels are rupiculous (living near streams), so high humidity and soil moisture are desirable...but be vigilant against mold! As with all orchids, good air circulation is essential.
