Ludisia discolor, commonly known as the jewel orchid, is a stunning plant native to Southeast Asia. Belonging to the orchid family, it is highly prized for its beautiful foliage. The plant features dark green leaves with striking deep red veins, giving it a unique and appealing look.
The jewel orchid can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in height and produces small white flowers on long stems during the summer months. However, it is primarily cultivated for its foliage rather than its flowers.
Ludisia discolor thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 18-24°C (65-75°F) and high humidity levels of around 60%. It prefers well-draining soil with regular watering but can also endure periods of drought.
This plant can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in tropical climates, where it is commonly used as ground cover or planted under trees. It is relatively easy to care for but does require regular fertilization during the growing season.
Overall, Ludisia discolor is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an attractive indoor or outdoor ornamental plant that adds color and texture to any space.
Jewel orchid is generally resistant to disease and is affected by relatively few insect pests. Its care is considered difficult because it needs a high-humidity but well-ventilated environment with few harmful pathogens. Too much watering can cause root rot. Although anyone can grow Jewel orchid, keeping it healthy and getting it to bloom again requires more experience in cultivation.
How to keep Ludisia Discolor.
Light
Jewel orchid grows best with moderate sunlight, resembling the understory conditions of tropical forests. It can still maintain healthy growth even under very low or no light. Excessive light may lead to leaf discoloration, while too little light can slow its growth rate.
Water
The jewel orchid thrives in high humidity and moist soil, requiring consistent watering twice a week. Primarily grown indoors for its ornamental beauty, it is essential to maintain adequate humidity, especially during the active growing season, to support its lush foliage.
Humidity
This plant needs special care because it loves high humidity levels of 60-80% or more. The best way to achieve this is by placing a humidifier near the plant. Daily misting is also essential! Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
The jewel orchid originates from warm-climate habitats, so it does best at temperatures between 68 and 100 °F (20 and 38 ℃). Care should be taken to maintain these conditions year-round to ensure healthy growth.
Fertilizer
Proper fertilization is essential for a Jewel orchid's health and appearance. Feed the Jewel orchid during summer, applying fertilizer once a month throughout the season. Nutrients support growth and help preserve the plant's parts. Fertilizing improves the Jewel orchid's flower display, ensuring the best blooms.
Pruning
The Jewel Orchid is known for its attractive foliage and is easy to care for. To encourage healthy growth, it’s best to prune the plant from late winter to early spring. During pruning, remove any dead leaves and trim back leggy stems. Regular pruning helps promote bushy growth, improves the plant’s appearance, enhances light and air circulation, and reduces the risk of disease.
Pot & Repot
When repotting a jewel orchid, select a pot that is only slightly larger and provides good drainage, ideally a clear orchid pot. Use a well-draining, orchid-specific mix that includes bark or moss. Carefully clean the roots and prune any that are dead or rotting. Repot after flowering, usually in spring or fall, water thoroughly, and place the plant in bright, indirect light. Avoid disturbing the roots once repotted.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Ludisia
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 10 cm to 25 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Red, Gold, Purple
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Fall, Winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Spring
- Native Area
- Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Laos, Thailand, China
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Jewel orchid to keep it healthy?
How you water your Jewel orchid depends on its growth phase. During active growth, water the soil and occasionally water overhead if it's warm. In winter or cool/wet weather, stick to watering the soil directly. Signs of needing more water include dry/damaged roots and leaves. Overwatered orchids look mushy. Use a well-draining potting mix and water multiple times per week during the growing season. Water should drain quickly to avoid standing water. The size of the pot affects the watering frequency. Use rainwater or distilled water that matches the air temperature.
When is it best to not add fertilizer to my Jewel orchid?
To support Jewel orchid growth, it is important to avoid root burn. During the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, extra nutrients are needed. However, during the fall and winter, when the plant enters its dormancy stage, it is time to stop fertilizing.
What are the sunlight requirements for a Jewel orchid?
Jewel orchids require moderate sunlight exposure, echoing their natural habitat in the understory of tropical forests. They thrive in partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight, and can also grow in full shade, with less than 3 hours of sunlight. Excessive light can lead to leaf discoloration, whereas too little light might slow growth. It's vital to observe the movement of sunlight in your garden to find spots that offer the right balance of light and shade, ensuring the plants' health and happiness.
What is the ideal temperature range for Jewel orchids?
Jewel orchids originate from warm climates and thrive in temperatures ranging from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 °C). To ensure healthy growth, it's important to maintain these temperature conditions throughout the year. During winter, if temperatures drop below 5°C, it's recommended to bring the Jewel orchid indoors for cultivation, maintaining indoor temperatures above 20°C. Placing the plant near a south-facing window will ensure it receives ample sunlight, and it's beneficial to regularly mist the plant or use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels. For outdoor overwintering, it's crucial to place orchids in a sheltered position that receives sunlight and consider setting up a temporary greenhouse or wrapping the plants with protective materials such as plastic film or fabric during colder temperatures.
What should I do if I give my Jewel orchid too much or too little water?
To avoid killing your Jewel orchid, it's important to prevent the soil from staying too moist for too long. While these plants need frequent watering during active growth, they also require well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to mushy roots and root rot. If this happens, you should use sterile pruning shears to remove any rotted roots. Afterward, repot the orchid in a container with good drainage using a fast-draining potting mix. However, excessive repotting can harm the plant, so it's crucial to get the watering right. An underwatered Jewel orchid will start to shrink and feel dry. If this happens, it means the soil is drying too quickly, and you should increase your watering frequency.
Why should I add plant food to my Jewel orchid?
Fertilizer and soil nutrients are essential for your Jewel orchid's growth. Plants, including the Jewel orchid, use the nutrients in the soil to develop new material and maintain their existing components. For the Jewel orchid, fertilization specifically helps it produce attractive flowers. Gardeners are often eager to ensure the flowers appear in their best form, and fertilization is a reliable method to achieve this.
How can artificial lighting benefit indoor Jewel orchids?
Artificial lighting is crucial for Jewel orchids, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, like in winter or less sunny spaces. It fosters faster, healthier growth by providing the needed light spectrum. LED lights are recommended due to their customization options for specific wavelengths. The appropriate artificial light intensity varies: full sun plants require 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight. Most plants will benefit from having artificial light for 8-12 hours per day.
How should you care for a Jewel orchid when temperatures fall below its tolerance?
When temperatures fall below the Jewel orchid's tolerance level, significant symptoms like extensive water-soaked necrosis, wilting, and drooping of leaves can occur, especially when the temperature drops below 1°C. The solution includes trimming off the frostbitten areas and immediately relocating the orchid to a warm indoor environment for protection against the cold. It's best to place the plant near a south-facing window to ensure it receives sufficient sunlight while avoiding placing it near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent the air from becoming excessively dry.
How frequently should I give water to my Jewel orchid?
During the active growth stage in spring and summer, water your Jewel orchid once or twice per week. Increase watering to three times per week or more during hot and dry weather. In winter, water your Jewel orchid, but not as much. Watering two to three times per month should be enough during the coldest months. If you keep your Jewel orchid indoors, the soil may dry quicker, so you may need to increase the number of monthly waterings. In fall, gradually reduce watering frequency from multiple times per week to the reduced winter schedule.
What is the ideal time to add fertilizer to my Jewel orchid?
The Jewel orchid has two main phases in a year. The first phase is the dormant phase, which occurs during winter and has minimal new growth. The second phase is the active growth phase, which happens in spring and fall and requires more fertilization. It is recommended to start fertilizing the Jewel orchid in spring, repeating it monthly until late summer. As fall approaches, the fertilization rate can be reduced.
What are the signs of insufficient light in Jewel orchids?
Signs of insufficient light in Jewel orchids include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted growth, and lighter-colored or yellow (chlorotic) new leaves. These symptoms indicate the plant is not receiving enough light, impacting its growth and health negatively. Adjusting light exposure is crucial to address these issues.
What measures should be taken if a Jewel orchid is exposed to high temperatures?
During the summer, it's crucial to ensure that Jewel orchid's exposure to temperatures does not exceed 38°C. Temperatures beyond 43°C can halt the plant's growth, cause the leaves to gradually wilt, increase susceptibility to root rot, and increase the risk of sunburn from direct sunlight. To mitigate these effects, trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant. Moving the plant to a shaded location, especially away from the midday and afternoon sun, will help. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening will help keep both the plant and the environment moist, providing some relief from the high temperatures.
