Jewel orchids are beautiful and delicate-looking plants. Their long stems, large flowers, and bright colors are sure to catch your eye. They grow in warmer climates, making great houseplants.
They are for you if you live in a climate that isn’t too hot or humid throughout the year. But, these plants can be difficult to care for, making them unsuitable for beginners. If you have experience with other types of orchids, then keep reading!
Growing Instructions
Light
Jewel orchids love bright, direct sunlight. They can handle full sun and will bloom for you in the summertime. If you’re growing them indoors, place them near a window with plenty of natural light.
If you’re growing your jewel orchid outdoors, it’s best to give it partial shade. Your plant should receive indirect sunlight from either an east-facing or north-facing window. Giving them partial shade helps avoid scorching their leaves.
Be sure not to grow this flower directly before a south-facing door where direct sunlight will beat down it. Use an alternative method, such as shading cloths over each stem. In colder climates, it is recommended to keep these plants indoors. Keep it during the winter when no hours of sunshine are available every day!
Soil
When selecting a potting mix, it is best to choose one that drains well. It will help prevent your orchid from getting root rot and allow the roots to breathe. A good rule is that your potting mix should be damp but not wet. Allow the soil to dry out between watering, except for active growth during summer. In the summer months, you’ll want to keep it moist.
A good start is with a commercial potting mix designed for orchids. It will have the right balance of nutrients, air, and water retention. You can also make your mix using these ingredients:
Water
It would be best if you watered your orchid when the soil was dry to the touch. It would be best if you water the plant in the morning or evening. Temperatures are cooler in the morning or evening. They are less likely to shock your plants’ systems. Do not allow the plant’s roots to sit in water for long periods, as this can cause root rot.
Watering instructions vary depending on whether you have a seedling or adult plant. Seedlings need their roots dampened every day. Mature plants only need watering every few days if kept outside in the summertime. It is important to note, especially with temperatures averaging 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21C). Even if your greenhouse stays at 70 F year-round, it may still be necessary to water once a week. Watering once a week makes sure that your plants are well hydrated.
Fertilizer
When you first bring your orchids home, they will likely need some help to get started. You can use an all-purpose fertilizer for your Jewel Orchid. But it is best to give them a little more attention at the beginning of their growing season. You should fertilize early spring before the plant sends out new leaves and flowers.
Use a balanced fertilizer at half strength if unsure what fertilizer to use. We also suggest avoiding fertilizers with higher nitrogen content than potassium and phosphorus. High concentration levels of these elements can burn your plant’s roots. It is important not to over-fertilize either. Too many nutrients can lead to poor growth and disease issues with your Jewel Orchids! Give them no more than one tablespoon per gallon during their active growing season. Cut down on the amount given during winter since they aren’t producing as many new leaves or blooms then.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for this orchid is between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature falls above 90 degrees, the leaves will begin to drop off. If you want to keep your Jewel Orchid at a higher temperature, place it in sunlight. You can also place them near an incandescent light source.
Humidity: The humidity of your house should be around 40%-70%. You can raise humidity by misting the plant with water or placing it in a saucer of water.
Toxicity
Jewel orchids are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. They can cause skin irritation if handled without gloves. Also, a child’s tongue may get stuck in the nectar spurs on the lip of the flower.
Propagation
If you’re interested in propagating your jewel orchid, it’s best to use cuttings. This method involves cutting a part of the plant from its stem and placing the cutting in damp soil. In this soil, it will take root and grow into a new plant.
Be prepared for a slower process if you decide to use seeds to propagate your jewel orchid. Soak the plant seeds and keep them moist until they germinate; once they sprout leaves, plant them in the soil.
The most common way to propagate jewel orchids is with cuttings. Cut a piece of stem with at least two nodes or points where leaves grow from the stem and place it in a jar of water. Only place the cutting, so the nodes are exposed above the water’s surface.
Repotting
When to repot
- The Jewel Orchid should be repotted every year, in spring or early summer. Move the plant up a pot size each repotting time. It will prevent cramping the roots and allow for proper drainage of excess water. Do not let your orchid stay in the same pot for more than two years, as this can cause root rot.
When repotting
- If your orchid is root bound, separate the roots from the sides of the pot. Use a spoonful of water and swirl it around until you can see some bare roots at the bottom of your container. Don’t worry about getting all of them out! You don’t want to damage any new growth on top!
Conclusion
We hope this guide has given you sufficient knowledge to grow your jewel orchids. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below, and we’ll be happy to answer them!
