While most species of orchids used in tropical vivaria are epiphytic, many species are primarily terrestrial, and will do much better planted in the substrate at the bottom of your vivarium. Keep in mind that, while each species of jewel orchid (so called for their amazing leaves, not their rather unremarkable flowers) has it's particular preferences most prefer dimmer light and humid, almost stagnant conditions, in stark contrast to most other orchids. Keep the substrate moist but not saturated. Jewel orchids will NOT tolerate standing water on their leaves. Josh's Frogs strongly recommends researching the needs of the particular species/hybrid of jewel orchid you'll be working with - many of this information can also be found on the plant profile page on www.JoshsFrogs.com. Below are pictures and brief descriptions of some of the most popular Jewel orchids we work with:
Macodes petola is a neat terrestrial orchid endemic to Malaysia, New Guinea and Vanuatu, the Philippines and Sumatra, and completely suitable for use in a tropical vivarium. Macodes petola is typically grown for it's attractive silver, gold and green foliage. Macodes petola does bloom once or twice a year, but it's small, greenish yellow flowers are not as showy as many other species of orchids. Read more on the Josh's Frogs Macodes petola page.
Goodyera hispida is a neat terrestrial orchid endemic to southeastern Asia, and completely suitable for use in a tropical vivarium. Goodyera hispida is typically grown for it's attractive silver and green foliage. Goodyera hispida does bloom once or twice a year, but it's small, greenish yellow flowers are not as showy as many other species of orchids. Read more on the Josh's Frogs Goodyera hispida page.
Dossinia marmorata 'Dayii' is a neat terrestrial jewel orchid that is and completely suitable for use in a tropical vivarium. Dossinia marmorata 'Dayii' is typically grown for it's attractive silver and green foliage. Dossinia marmorata 'Dayii' does bloom once or twice a year, but it's small, greenish yellow flowers are not as showy as many other species of orchids. Read more on the Josh's Frogs Dossinia marmorata 'Dayii' page.
Sarcoglottis sceptrodes is a neat terrestrial orchid endemic to Costa Rica, and completely suitable for use in a tropical vivarium. Sarcoglottis sceptrodes is typically grown for it's attractive silver and green foliage. Sarcoglottis sceptrodes does bloom once or twice a year, but it's small, greenish yellow flowers are not as showy as many other species of orchids. Read more on the Josh's Frogs Sarcoglottic sceptrodes page.
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