The Jewel Orchid, A True Gem

A Jewel Orchid is probably what the art world would call a “masterpiece” of nature. What is a Jewel Orchid you ask? This hard to find beautiful orchid is not known so much for its flowers as for its leaves. It’s a compact plant in size. Usually growing only up to a foot tall, and a foot wide max.

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This “ground growing” plant is found on the jungle floors of its native Indonesia, and Pacific Islands. Because it is found on the ground it is also know as a terrestrial. They like the dark, hot climate of these jungles. So you could say they are true to the term “tropical.”

The Jewel Orchid does not belong to any one genus of orchids. It is part of a group of orchids of their own. This group classification is based on their leaves. Yes, it’s leaves. You see this is why the Jewel Orchid stands out.

Its velvety leaves have distinct and unique veining to them that come in colors. But that’s not the best or only quality they have. It’s what happens when you look at the leaves in the light at an angle. Do I have you on the edge of your seat yet? Well, here it is.

The Jewel Orchid got its name because if you are looking at its leaves at different angles in light, the leaves glisten. Yes, glisten like jewels, or gems. Neat huh? This is why enthusiast of the Jewel Orchid, have such an admiration for them. What a fitting name for this beauty.

The fleshy stems of the Jewel Orchid has a creeping ability. Because of this, this orchid is sometimes referred to as being “vine-like.”

If you decide to get, or have a Jewel Orchid, remember that it does not flower often but usually just once a year. The time is usually between November and January.

Flower spikes are usually between three and five when they bloom. Since these plants are of a tropical background, they enjoy high humidity. They truly thrive in humidity. It’s what makes them happy.

Jewel Orchids do not tend to like cold windows or drafts from doors if you are growing them in the home or a greenhouse. However when it comes to temperatures, don’t be too alarmed at cool temps.

The Jewel Orchid can handle temperatures no higher than 70 degrees F. And is fine as long as it does not get much cooler than 50 degrees F. It can be in full sun, but not in direct sunlight.

Watering needs of the Jewel Orchid are pretty simple for the most part. The soil should be kept moist. When watering, the Jewel Orchid even likes its water at a tepid, warm temperature.

To increase humidity, sit your orchid in a dish used for drainage that has little stones, or pebbles in it. This dish should have no more than maybe a half an inch of water. As a medium, your Jewel Orchid needs an orchid mix that holds water well, but can drain well too. Orchid mix with pearlite seems to be an option.

Fertilizing the Jewel Orchid is also an easy task. Unlike some plants, or other orchids for that matter, this orchid requires very little by way of care. That’s what makes them easy to grow.

A Jewel Orchid needs to be fertilized only one time in a month. That takes place when it is going through its vigorous growing season. That’s it!! Easy right? Now of course you’ll use an orchid fertilizer.

It seems a shame that the Jewel Orchid has no fragrance, because if it did, it just might be the most perfect orchid in the world.