You are probably used to seeing orchids with broad, dark green leaves and incredibly decorative flowers. But there is a plant that can be easily found in nurseries that could well be mistaken for a common plant ... until you see its leaves. Its scientific name is ludisia discolor, although its common name is Jewel Orchid.
Why? Because it is a real gem 😉. Its leaves have a great ornamental value, and its flowers, while small, are also beautiful.
What is Ludisia discolor like?
This orchid is native to tropical Asia, where it can be seen in countries such as Thailand and the Philippines. Grows to a height of 70 centimeters, producing coppery or greenish stems (depending on the variety). The leaves emerge from it, which are elliptical-lanceolate, and measure between 7 and 10 centimeters in length, with a soft-touch surface. Flowers sprout from a hairy flower stalk towards the end of summer.
It is a plant that can be kept at home for several years, in a bright room with high humidity. Its cultivation is not difficult, but it is true that you have to take into account some things.
How do you take care of yourself?
If we want to have one or more copies, these are the care that we must provide:
- Location: inside the home, in a bright room and away from the air currents coming from the air conditioning and / or the fan, as well as those that may come from outside during winter.
- Substratum: it must have very good drainage. We can use one prepared for acidophilic plants mixed with perlite in equal parts.
- Irrigation: two or three times a week in summer, and somewhat less the rest of the year. We will use water without lime, rain, or acidified (we will mix the liquid of half a lemon with 1l of water).
- Subscriber: we can pay it with a fertilizer for orchids, following the instructions specified on the package.
- Transplant: every two years, in spring.
- Humidity: it has to be high. To achieve this we can place several glasses of water around it or a humidifier.
- Rusticity: it does not support cold or frost.
What did you think of this orchid?
