Jewel Orchid – Ludisia Discolor – Plant Care Tips

Where to buy a Ludisia Discolor – Jewel Orchid in Australia?

Why we’re glad you asked as we do our best to have a steady supply of Ludisia Discolor – Jewel Orchid in stock. Click here to See if we have any Ludisia Discolor – Jewel Orchid in Stock! 

Ludisia Discolor – Jewel Orchid Characteristics

This is a beautiful orchid grown more for its leaves than its flowers, although the white and yellow flowers do make a nice display once a year, usually between June and September. The leaves appear velvety and have fine, light-coloured veins in beautiful patterns. It is a creeping plant that seldom gets more than 15cm tall.

Ludisia Discolor – Jewel Orchid Natural Environment

It is widely distributed from northeast India, across southeast Asia and southwest China to Indonesia. It is found on the forest floor in tropical rainforests at around 1000m altitude, so although it comes from the tropics, it is from a cooler and fresher environment than the hot humid lowlands. It experiences regular showers followed by light breezes from spring to autumn but less rainfall in winter when it flowers.

Ludisia Discolor – Jewel Orchid Lighting, Position, Humidity, Watering, and Fertiliser

It adapts well to indoor culture. It does best in medium indirect light and high humidity, so grow it in a group with other plants or in a terrarium. Because of the creeping habit, it is best grown in shallow, wide pots in a very free-draining but moisture-retentive mix. Water to keep the mix moist from spring to autumn but drier in winter and use a dilute solution of fertiliser. Keep it above about 10°C in winter and below 30°C in summer if possible. Repot in spring when new root growth is starting.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Ludisia Discolor – Jewel Orchid Tips and Common Pests

Because of its preference for humid conditions, it is more likely to be affected by rots, mildew, and leaf spots than insect pests, although mealybugs are a possibility.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests, head to our blog here.