Light: Medium, indirect light is best to avoid leaf scorch. These orchids do flower, but are most prized for their foliage, so a they are a lower light loving orchid.

Temperature: Jewel orchids do not appreciate much outside our comfortable range of temperatures. 50-75 F is ideal.

Humidity: Orchids always perform better the higher you can keep humidity, especially jewels.

Low humidity causes leaf tip burn and curled leaves.

Water: Keep moss consistently moist but not soggy. Jewel orchids do not appreciate dry down. So, place them in a spot you’re reminded to check on them regularly.

Repotting: Jewel orchids don’t need repotting often unless they outgrow their space and you can’t keep up with watering (every 2-3 years).

Fertilizing: Jewel orchids are not heavy feeders like other orchids. You only need to fertilize as you see new growth filling in during spring and summer months. Use a balanced low rate fertilizer (10-10-10) once per month.

Orchids have a vast and complicated taxonomy that most cannot dissect. To learn more about orchid care, join your local orchid society chapter!

Kansas Orchid Society

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Root/Crown decay caused by overwatering

• Fungus gnats

• Algae build-up on potting mix

• Crispy leaves from staying too dry.

Are orchids pet safe?

Yes; generally speaking, most orchids are regarded safe for pets. Phalaenopsis have specifically been tested as safe.