Question
QUESTION: Hi Wayne King,

My Jewel orchid -Ludisia discolor is not doing well at all.

Being terrestrial orchid ,Ludisia discolor is potted in soil mix.  Do I need to change potting mix? What would be the best potting mix for it?

And I notice some red spot on leaves also. Could this be virus?

Thanks,
Nwe Lay

ANSWER: Nwe, let's start out by assuming it is not a virus because, if it is, there is no cure. Also, I'm unaware of any reports of virus in Ludisia.  It is more likely environmental. I have found these to be quite temperamental. The potting mix should probably be promix or a comparable potting mix.  This is a mix of perlite and peat moss. It needs to kept just moist to the touch not letting it dry out or remain wet.  It likes humidity, lower light, and intermediate temperatures. When light levels are too high (even for a short time), the anthocyanin pigment in the leaves cause the leaves to appear more reddish. Try lowering the light level when this occurs. It will do well at temperatures between 60 - 80 degrees F.  The plant does not do well once the temperatures rise above 85 degrees F.  In its natural habitat, it is shade tolerant and likes a damp or humid environment.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Wayne King,

Thanks for your reply.

Instead of peat moss, can I use coco peat mix with perlite(1:1) coz I bought them last week?

Thanks,
Nwe Lay

ANSWER: Coco peat in a 1:1 ratio with perlite may be okay. I have two concerns.  Sometimes, the ingredients include fine, dust size particles that may impede air flow through the mix and retain too much water. If you have a colander or strainer, you may be able to strain out some of this dust=like material prior to use.  The other concern is that coconut based products may contain and/or retain salts.  This risk might be reduced by triple rinsing the potting mix in salt-free water such as RO water or rainwater. You should also flush the mix with salt-free water every two or three waterings to [prevent salt build-up.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Wayne King,

Thanks for your quick reply.

I still have one more question. When I take out, Ludisia discolor stems, it has no roots at all.

Shall I first put the stems in water until there are a few roots or potted straight in above potting mix?

Thanks,
Nwe Lay

Answer
It should form roots and rhizomes in your potting mix if you don't let it dry out too much.  If the plant has no roots with which to anchor it in the potting mix, you may tie a twisty tie around the base of the plant and bury the loose end in the potting mix to help stabilize the plant.  Some growers have even grown these plants in a bell jar to maintain sufficient humidity.