Orchidaceae
Jewel Orchid: Perfect Indoor Houseplant
Macodes petola
Requires high humidity, indirect light, and a consistently slightly moist substrate. Avoid direct sunlight, which could burn its delicate leaves.
Every 4 days
Partial shade
18° - 28°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Jewel Orchid?
Jewel Orchid (Macodes petola) is a medium-care plant from the Orchidaceae family. Macodes petola is a fascinating terrestrial orchid widely known as the 'Jewel Orchid'. Unlike most orchids, it is not cultivated for its flowers, but for its breathtaking foliage. The leaves have a velvety texture with a dark green base, intricately woven with electric-looking veins that resemble li...
Jewel Orchid grows up to 15cm, spread of 20cm, watering every 4 days, 18°C â 28°C, 60â90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Jewel Orchid is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 8 days.
How to Care for Jewel Orchid?
TLDR: Jewel Orchid needs Partial shade, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 18-28°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Jewel Orchid?
Water with soft, room-temperature water that has been allowed to sit. The substrate should never dry out completely, but the plant must not sit in standing water.
How Much Light Does Jewel Orchid Need?
Place it in a spot with bright but filtered light. Direct sun rays will cause the intricate patterns on the leaves to fade.
What Is the Best Soil for Jewel Orchid?
Use a mix of sphagnum moss, perlite, and bark chips. The substrate must be airy but capable of retaining moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for Jewel Orchid?
A shallow pot or a glass terrarium, which helps maintain high humidity levels.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Jewel Orchid and Where Does It Come From?
Macodes petola is a fascinating terrestrial orchid widely known as the 'Jewel Orchid'. Unlike most orchids, it is not cultivated for its flowers, but for its breathtaking foliage. The leaves have a velvety texture with a dark green base, intricately woven with electric-looking veins that resemble lightning bolts or a golden net. It is native to the humid forests of Southeast Asia, where it grows in the shade of trees.
How to Propagate Jewel Orchid?
Stem cuttings
- Using a rooting hormone can speed up the process.
- Ventilate regularly to prevent mold growth.
- 1 Taking the cutting
Cut a section of the stem that has at least two nodes.
- 2 Substrate preparation
Prepare moist sphagnum moss or an orchid-specific mix.
- 3 Rooting
Place the cutting horizontally on the moss and press it down gently. Maintain high humidity under a cover.
Materials needed:
Division
- This method is safest during spring repotting.
- 1 Removal from pot
Carefully remove the plant and clean the substrate away from the roots.
- 2 Dividing
Gently separate the clumps so that each part has its own root system and leaves.
- 3 Repotting
Plant the new divisions into separate containers with fresh substrate.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Jewel Orchid Grow?
TLDR: Jewel Orchid can reach up to 15cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
15cm
Spread
20cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In the botanical world, it symbolizes rarity and hidden beauty that reveals itself through foliage rather than flowers.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
