Jewel Orchids

[mincedmeat]

Hi guys,

I thought this place might be the best to post this question.

Anyone knows where I can get my hands on Jewel orchids, how much would a bunch cost, and also how to handle them?

Your help is much appreciated!

[Zenith82]

Hi mincedmeat, you can try Song Orchids at ST66, 50 Chua Chu Kang track 14. They are not very cheap, a small pot around ranging from $15-$30 if I'm not wrong.

[ryzcris]

Oooh I love Jewel orchids aswell but except Song... I haven't really seen othersaround. My favourite Macodes petola is also not always available and difficult to care for.

[mincedmeat]

Any instructions on the care for such orchids?

[mozzz]

Hi mincedmeat,

Maybe i can share a little about caring jewel orchids.

1. Jewel Orchids do best in very low light. Their normal habitat is among the leaf litter of the jungle floor, as such their normal environment is very dark. Grown indoors, a nice grow light is perfect.

2. Jewels love extremely high humidity. Their natural habitats often range from 80-100% humidity. This goes along with high temperatures. They really like 80+ degrees.

3. Their soil should drain easily otherwise they are prone to root rot. there are a number of simple mixes, some use coco soil, finely shredded bark and sand. Also, the addition of New Zealand Sphagnum moss is ideal, as jewels love acidic soil.

I grow these indoors in Clear top sterilite boxes, the bottom containing a product called Leca or Hydroton. It is a clay pellet that has capillary properties. On top of the hydroton is a coco soil mix with a layer of moss on top.

I water from the bottom as the leaves are very delicate and spraying them with water directly can discolor their velvety leaves.

hope this helps.

Regards.

[Zenith82]

Well shared Mozzz! Thanks for sharing!

[Justikanz]

Any idea how to trim the jewels properly? I have a plant growing very tall and I want to trim it short and re-plant it for propogation...