Here is an unusual orchid, unlike most orchids that are cultivated and adored for their beautiful flowers. These types are not as popular as most and often found in the humus, on the dark jungle floor. One can find them in the regions of Indonesia and the Pacific Islands. If you are wondering what these flowers are, these are none other than the exquisite Jewel Orchids! The beauty of these flowers is a favorite of many not for its flowers but also for its foliage.



Regardless of how you call it, you have to agree that it is beautiful and there is no disagreement that this species have brilliant flowers. These ground growing plants do not belong to a special genus of orchids. They are part of a group all their own and the grouping is a classification as to its leaves or the colors of the leaves. The veinage in these plants have the ability to appear in different colors when light hits them from different angles which at times seems to glisten. Since, gems or jewelry glisten in a similar manner, this is how these beauties got their name which is really fitting.

The Jewel Orchids have creeping, crawling, fleshy stems and because of these flowers creeping ability, they appear vine-like. They usually do not grow over a foot tall, or wide since it is a compact plant. Should you ever grow or have one, remember that they only blossom one time in the year between the months of November to January. They produce between three to five spikes of flowers for that time.

It seems that because these flowers come from a tropical climate, an environment with high humidity is perfect for these plants. As tropical plants, the Jewel Orchids do not grow well in cold temperatures or in drafts. If you have these plants indoors, it is advisable to keep them far from drafty doors and windows. Though they are not adaptable to drafts, they are able to stand in temperatures no higher than 70 degrees F and no lower than 50 degrees F. These plants are suitable in the home especially if you have greenhouses around. Full sun is all right but not at all direct sunlight.

The watering need of the Jewel Orchids is simple and all you need to do is to keep the soil moist. When watering these plants, use warm or lukewarm water and place them on dishes with pebbles or small stones to increase humidity.

Your Jewel Orchids need a good potting mix that holds water but drains well. A mix of pearlite works well with them. Fertilizing these plants is easy because unlike other plants that need constant supervision, these flowers only need fertilization once time a month especially in its growth phase.

The only thing about the Jewel Orchids that some folks might not like is that these are strictly plants of visual beauty. Their flowers have no scent or fragrance but as the old adage say: You cannot have it all.

Marcia is an avid orchid care and all things orchid enthusiast.

To learn more about jewel orchids and how you can achieve brilliance yourself in the wonderful world of jewel orchids, visit me at http://www.easycareorchids.com for a host of tips and tricks in growing your own beautiful and brilliant orchids...

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