Ludisia discolor issues

Ludisia is one of the few orchids that can actually grow in potting soil, although I never use that. I would ditch the bark mix and use a peat or sphagnum mix. For the ordinary purple striped Ludisia, I use a 50:50 mix of perlite and coco-peat. Green Ludisia is a much more difficult plant...I didn't have success until I grew it in NS sphagnum. Since yours is doing poorly, switch it to sphagnum. Once it grows heartily again, you can change the mix.

 

I've grown Ludisia discolor in plain old potting soil for many years, and it thrives. I grow it as a house plant (65-75F) and very low light (100-500 fc)

 

Welcome Dave.

I personally use Miracle Gro's Orchid mix and have had great success with it.

I agree that you must keep it somewhat more moist and in a shady spot.

To be honest, I've even rooted parts that have broken off by placing them in a jar of water. Not saying that kind of moisture is ideal, but it does work for rooting purposes.

 

I grow mine in African violet mix. It seems pretty happy.

 

To me, it looks like you have the Ludisia discolor Negra Cultivar which is hard to grow. If it were me, I would find a start of the regular Ludisia discolor which has many reddish veins on the leaf. That one groes easily though not fast for me.

Ted

 

grows