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Best set up for a jewel orchid

A couple weeks ago I picked up a jewel orchid at a local orchid show. The guy told me they do really well in a terrarium. Does anyone here have jewel orchids? Any tips on keeping them?

I keep mine in a deep cylindrical, clear, plastic container, open top. They do need the extra humidity. Mine is potted in a basket pot stuffed with NZ sphagnum moss. I try to keep water on the bottom.

Like any other orchids, jewel orchids do not all need the same cultural requirements. What did you get?

Having said that, I approach them much as Leafmite does - sphagnum in an enclosure to trap humidity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray (Post 714440)

Like any other orchids, jewel orchids do not all need the same cultural requirements. What did you get?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leafmite (Post 714352)

They do need the extra humidity. Mine is potted in a basket pot stuffed with NZ sphagnum moss.

I concur with Ray -- not all jewel orchids have the same requirements. As such, knowing just what you have is important.

With that in mind, I do not fully agree with LM. The type of jewel matters.

IME, Ludisia (Haemaria) discolor do NOT require any special humidity. I've had mine for well over a decade in a 1:2 mix of potting soil (type without added fertilizer) and "regular" orchid media. It is potted and has had no problem with my pathetically low winter RH. (I'm lucky if I can get my winter RH up to 30%.)

While I have not had my Anoectochillus nearly as long, it has done fine with similar culture as the Ludisia.

The Goodyera (can't remember which species) I tried in my large terr did not fair well at all in that environment. It was planted in pure sphag.

Now Macodes petola I did find did well in a terrarium planted in pure sphag until it experienced an unfortunate dry spell while I was away for a holiday. It is quite the diva, IME, and not forgiving of problems with culture.

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