Do we have any orchid whisperers? Of the Jewel orchid variety.

[Carisab]

I have read all I can on these little suckers and I still have questions.

Orchids are like the hairless cats of the plant world. Not too hot, but not too cold. Not too dry but never too wet. Kinda prissy and never satisfied.

I ended up with 4 jewel orchids by accident when I placed my first plant order. I got someone else's order and so the store told me to keep them and shipped me my full order. I only know that they are jewel orchids, not what types. Killed my first victim in 2 days. The other three are still hanging on.

The problem is, unlike other plants, I don't know what it looks like when it is over watered vs. not enough. The stem got a different sort of transparent color and it fell over. It then broke the stem and I had to shorten and replant. It stiffened up and now seems ok. I just don't understand them.

What are the signs and symptoms of problems? Is it normal for the leaves to fade and then fall off? The leaves are beautiful, I just want to understand them better. Is there supposed to be a support or anything, the stems seem delicate and brittle. Everything else I planted, doing great. Just these guys that require special attention.

[deranged chipmunk]

Jewels are terrestrial and should be planted in a VERY well draining substrate. They do not like having their roots wet. Some of the bottom leaves will fall off over time, but if you are having new leaves fall off you have a problem. Normally over watering is the issue with these little gems. They also don't like direct lighting and prefer to be in the shade, if I recall correctly. I keep epiphyte orchids. I keep meaning to get jewels, but they always slip my mind when I place an order. Lol


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Mentat]

Think had one of those during my college days; was into orchids then and had a pretty large collection. Mine ended doing good and flowering in a premium sphagnum moss leaf litter mix with a bit of giant fern bark in the shade. They are tropical and will probably not do well in a cooler dart frog type environment.

[deranged chipmunk]

Carlos! You never told me you were an orchid guy!! You are a man of very many hidden talents!


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Mentat]

Carlos! You never told me you were an orchid guy!! You are a man of very many hidden talents!

Not a secret; but think only mentioned it before in my MOTW thread . Had a bit over 100 plants; many of them locals collected by 1st Ex and myself or trades. Sold the whole collection to a neighbor when joined the USN.

[Carisab]

Thanks guys. I replanted in a better draining substrait. It came in sphagnum moss, but it must have been too wet. Moved it to a raised chunky ABG mix and it seem happier, it drains better. My environment is warm enough, but I didn't know they don't like very much light. Moved them closer to the front and farther from the light. I won't get too attached to them.

Thanks again.