Growing notes
Culture of Jewel Orchids
by Michael Dorris · draft, as published on the original site
The orchids commonly described as Jewel Orchids are usually found in the subfamily Spiranthoideae, subtribe Goodyerinae — about 35 genera and roughly 480 species. They have patterned leaves that may carry substantial colour, and generally small flowers.
Cultivation
Jewel orchids grow on the forest floor in low light, along creeks and rivers in loam and mosses, hidden among fallen leaves — the leaf netting resembles the veins of the fallen leaves, hiding them. Some are found on mossy cliffs and rocky outcroppings; these are regarded as lithophytes. They tend to enjoy mildly acidic soils, regardless of limestone substrates. They are generally creeping plants with few roots that arise at the nodes of a horizontal stem. Most are genetically related, as interbreeding shows, and they are a very old group of plants, as indicated by their genetic diversity and worldwide range.
Light
Low light, 500 to 1500 foot-candles (easy to read a newspaper under) — like Phalaenopsis.
Temperature
Most like temperatures in the 60°F to 90°F (15°C to 30°C) range, though the Goodyeras can tolerate temperatures down to 30°F (-1°C). The following guidelines are for temperature zones; as most jewel orchids grow in mountains, forests and warm regions, the temperatures are not so clear cut. Fog may be a daily event, cooling everything down, and humidity makes heat more bearable.
- Temperate zone — 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 10°C) in winter; 65°F to 85°F (20°C to 30°C) in summer, night and day respectively.
- Subtropical zone — 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 20°C) in winter; 65°F to 90°F (20°C to 30°C) in summer, night and day respectively.
This culture article is carried over verbatim from the nursery's existing site and shown as draft pending owner confirmation.