Jewel Orchid Macodes Petola
Welcome to our care guide to the Jewel Orchid Macodes Petola, covering all you need to know about care and propagation. The key is to keep the soil moist but not wet and keep the humidity high.
Jewel Orchid Macodes Petola Care Summary
| Light needs: | Bright indirect sunlight. |
| Watering needs: | Water when top 25% of soil is dry, check twice a week. |
| Fertilizer: | A well diluted, high in nitrogen feed monthly in the spring and summer. |
| Soil: | A mix of equal parts orchid bark, potting compost and perlite. |
| Humidity: | 50-70%. |
| Temperature: | 18-27°C (64-81°F). |
| Where to buy: | Try our list of Rare Plant Shops. |
| Other names: | Macodes Petola. |
| Common issues: | Root rot. |
Introduction
The jewel orchid aka macodes petola is known for its impressively veined leaves. They are originally from Asia, but have spread very quickly round the world as houseplants due to their impressive looks.
You might also want to check out our other jewel orchid article, Jewel Orchid Ludisia Discolor, which is also know as a jewel orchid but is a different species.
See also: How To Care For An Orchid Indoors, Geogenanthus Ciliatus, Hoya Heuschkeliana, Hoya Kentiana, Hoya Linearis, Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight.
Tip: we recommend Etsy for buying plants. Look for the best rated seller you can, and try to buy as close to your home as possible so the plant does not travel too far.
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Jewel Orchid Light Needs
Medium indirect sunlight is ideal, they do ok in low light too. Avoid direct sun which can burn the leaves. An East or West – facing window is ideal.
How Often to Water
Jewel orchids like to be moist, but not wet, so water them when the top 25% of soil is dry, checking them twice a week.
Fertilizer
Use a well diluted, high in nitrogen feed monthly in the spring and summer. Make sure it is well diluted so you don’t burn the leaves.
Jewel Orchid Soil
Use a chunky well draining medium, you can make your own with a mix of equal parts orchid bark, potting compost and perlite.
When To Repot
Check them once a year and repot them if the roots system is crowded or the soil looks like it needs a refresh. They won’t need repotting each year.
Humidity
50-70% is best, they will thrive if given higher humidity levels. They like humidity and do well in terrariums for this reason.
Tip: keep them humid and moist, but not soaking wet, and give them medium indirect sunlight and they should thrive.
Temperature
Aim for a daytime temperature range of 18-27°C (64-81°F), and a minimum temperature of 14°C (57°F) at night or in the winter.
Jewel Orchid Propagation
You can divide a jewel orchid at the base and spilt the plant up to make more. Or you can take a stem cutting with a couple of nodes, one node that will root and one for leaves. Sphagnum moss is my favorite medium for rooting. Keep it moist and humid (humidity is really important for these plants, especially as cuttings) and in indirect sunlight and it will root over the next couple of months. When it is well rooted you can pot it up into soil.
jewel orchid – Macodes Petola – propagation in water
Macodes Petola can be water propagated, just take a cutting with a couple of leaves and another node under that that you take the leaves off. Put the cutting in a jar of water to root, making sure the leaves are above the surface and the naked node is under the water surface. It should start to root in days but can take a weeks or a couple of months to fully develop a decent root system. Then you can pot it up into soil.
Macodes Petola USDA Zone
They can grow outdoors in zone 12. They are really an indoor plant for most people.
jewel orchid root rot
They can get root rot easily, especially if sat in very wet soil. The leaves can go soft and mushy and fall off. Be careful to not overwater the plant, and if you do, take it out of it’s soil and let it dry out, then plant it back in a dry medium.
is it toxic to cats?
They are not toxic to dogs or cats.
Where To Buy
Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Other Names
Macodes Petola
FAQs and Common Problems
Root rot is the main issue, so be careful you check the soil regularly but only water if needed.
Additional Resources
Buy: we recommend a digital thermometer hygrometer (amazon affiliate link) to measure humidity.
Links:
- More info on the Wikipedia page.
- More info on the Kew Gardens plant page.
Other Articles You Might Like
Hope you found this guide useful, you might also like our other articles: Philodendron Pink Princess Care, Philodendron White Knight. Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight, Jessenia Pothos, Hoya Linearis, Philodendron Camposportoanum Care.
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