For months, I had been on the hunt for jewel orchids to build a terrarium. My patience paid off! I scored a cheap Ludisia discolor Var. Nigrescens on a Facebook group, and shortly after, I found a Ludisia discolor online as well.

Although excited to finally have these beauties in my collection, I admit I wasn’t the most attentive plant parent at first. Worried I was neglecting them a bit too much, I decided to give them a spa treatment and placed them in a mini greenhouse. Thankfully, they seemed to perk up in their new humid environment.

But the jewel in the crown of my orchid collection had yet to arrive. Enter the Macodes Petola, the orchid I’d been absolutely smitten with. I acquired this beauty through an online swap, and it was time to create their dream home – a terrarium!

For their new residence, I repurposed an old spherical glass container I had lying around. To ensure proper drainage and a healthy environment for my orchids, I meticulously crafted a layered substrate. 

The base consists of small rocks, followed by a layer of activated charcoal to discourage any algae development. Next came a layer of dried sphagnum moss, known for its moisture retention properties. To provide a rich and well-draining base for the orchids to root in, I added a layer of aroid mix soil. Finally, to complete this miniature ecosystem, I topped it all off with a layer of live moss, adding a touch of visual appeal.

My terrarium wasn’t just for the jewel orchids though. I also included some Monstera Dubia clippings that were looking a little worse for wear. I placed them on a small wood board along with some wetsticks, hoping to coax them back to life.

To document this terrarium-building process, I even created a time-lapse video. Check my TikTok account for to see it. 

@greenmonstera.com

My Jewel Orchid Terrarium: From Neglected Beauties to Thriving Paradise #jewelorchid #orchidterrarium #houseplant #indoorplants #indoorjungle #plantdecor #plantstyling #greenthumb #terrariumtutorial #diyterrarium #macodespetola #ludisia #plantcaretips #plantgeek #plantloverinspiration

? Work Day – fiikuri

A Care Guide for Jewel Orchids in Open Terrariums

Jewel orchids are stunning plants with intricate patterns on their leaves. While they can be a bit finicky, with the right care, they can thrive in an open terrarium. 

Here are some tips for keeping your jewel orchids happy:

Light:

 * Indirect, bright light: Jewel orchids prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate leaves.

 * Artificial light: If natural light is insufficient, you can supplement with artificial grow lights.

Humidity:

 * High humidity: Jewel orchids thrive in high humidity. Aim for a humidity level between 70-80%. You can achieve this by:

   * Misting the plants regularly.

   * Placing a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles near the terrarium.

   * Using a humidifier.

Temperature:

 * Warm temperatures: Jewel orchids prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65-85°F (18-30°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.

Watering:

 * Consistent moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

 * Distilled or rainwater: Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup in the soil.

Substrate:

 * Well-draining mix: A well-draining mix of sphagnum moss and perlite is ideal for jewel orchids. Avoid heavy soils that can retain too much water.

Fertilizing:

 * Weak, diluted fertilizer: Fertilize your jewel orchids with a weak, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Ventilation:

 * Good airflow: Ensure good airflow in your terrarium to prevent mold and fungal diseases.