Characterize
With most orchids people think of special and beautiful flowers. But the jewel orchid is especially known for its beautiful patterns and beautiful glittering on the leaves of the plant. This orchid is already beautiful to see without it being in bloom. So they are often appreciated and grown earlier because of their beautiful leaves in contrast to flowering.
Flowers
The flowers of this orchid are then very small and less spectacular in relation to other striking orchids, but they are very cute.
Popular species
The most famous and popular species are the Macodes Petola, Ludisia Discolor, Anoectochilus Formosanus and the Dossinia Marmorata. Moreover, there are even Variegata versions such as the Anoectochilus Albolineatus Variegata.
Origin
Jewel orchids are originally from Southeast Asia. There they grow on the floor in humid tropical rain forests. So they are terrestrial orchids.
Care
The care of jewel orchids is very easy, but it is important that the water needs and the humidity around the plant are taken into account. So it is not a plant for the real beginner.
Temperature
Jewel orchids are very tolerant in temperature compared to other orchids. They often do well at living room temperatures. A temperature of between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius is therefore already pleasant for most species.
Light
The jewel orchids are naturally a bit more in the shade. So watch out with too bright indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can even cause damage to the plants fairly quickly.
Water
With water, jewel orchids are often a bit more difficult. Make sure that a substrate such as sphagnum moss is used. Bark or other too coarse mixtures do not like these plants. In addition, a substrate with too many minerals is also not desirable such as regular peat mixtures. On the other hand, these orchids do not like to be dry or soaking wet, making it important to water again when the sphagnum moss is light -moist at the bottom of the pot. A lot of spraying can also prevent the plant from drying out. The quality of the water is very important. Provide clean water, such as osmosis or rainwater.
Humidity and air displacement
These orchids love a high humidity of at least 70%. They prefer to be in an even higher humidity. With a higher humidity, it must be taken into account that air displacement becomes even more important than with a lower humidity.
Terrarium
This compact miniature orchid is also very suitable for a terrarium, because it can easily grow on mossy soil at the bottom of the container. When growing jewel orchids in a bell jar or sealed ecosystem, it is important to ensure that the plant does get enough fresh air. Ensuring regular air displacement is very important to prevent diseases and to promote good growth.
Myths and stories
This orchid is mentioned in various Asian myths, with the pattern of the leaves and the glittering, for example, from a robe of a sad goddess who runs through the forest. In addition, she loses pieces of fabric from her beautiful dress, leaving special small orchids behind. Look on the page of the Macodes Petola for this fun and special story.
