Title

How to grow and care for Ludisia discolor

Written by Maggie

Feb 07 2021

How to grow and care for Ludisia discolor
Ludisia discolor is a very common green plant. Due to its special appearance, many flower lovers keep it as a potted plant indoors for maintenance. In addition, its high medicinal value has aroused many people's interest. How to grow and care for Ludisia discolor? The following are some growing and caring tips for you.
Ludisia discolor

How to grow Ludisia discolor

1. Choose a good place

In the artificial cultivation of ludisia Discolor, the planting site should be selected in the shady place beside the stream gully of woodland with high altitude, which is the key to achieve the cultivation success. The planting site should be above 400m in altitude and near the intersection zone of broad-leaved forest or coniferous broad-leaved forest. The average temperature in January is 10 ° C, the average temperature in July is 25 ° C, the air relative humidity is 70%, the wind is usually small or still, the light transmittance is about 30%, the surrounding water is available, the soil structure is good, the weathered yellow loam is the best, which is neutral or slightly acidic (pH=4.5~6.5).

2. Scientific planting

The planting of Ludisia Discolor should be shallow but not deep. After planting, it is better to cover with clean and dry moss, plant spacing is 5~10cm*5~10cm, and root fixing water should be poured immediately after planting to ensure survival rate. The mountain area with higher altitude should be planted in spring From April to May, which can accelerate the growth and harvest in the same year. Ludisia Discolor should be planted from August to September in autumn to avoid high summer temperatures and peak periods of pest and disease transmission, thus improving survival rate and yield.

3. Field management

Field management of Ludisia Discolor is directly related to its survival rate, growth, and yield. The growth cycle of Ludisia Discolor requires less light and heat, especially avoiding direct strong light around noon, so shade should be erected on the cultivation ground to adjust the transmittance. Ludisia Discolor needs water but should not be stagnant, so the amount of watering depends on the development of the seedlings and the environment in which they grow. For Ludisia Discolor after planting, the fertilization type should be based on delayed organic fertilizer, such as soybean cake fermented diluent, pig manure, cow and horse manure, etc. If it can be combined with spraying foliar fertilizer, it is better to add a small amount of ferrous sulfate per 100kg of fertilizer solution, in order to promote the dark green and bright leaf color. In the growing season of Ludisia discolor 0.3% urea plus 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can also be sprayed once every half a month, four consecutive times. Do not pollute Ludisia discolor leaves when fertilizing. In case of accidental contamination, spray clear water immediately. Most of the factors that harm Ludisia discolor, diseases and insect pests are caused by high temperature, poor ventilation, exposure to light and uncleanness of cultivated land. Therefore, we should try to overcome these adverse factors and remove weeds.

4. Collecting

Four to five months after planting Ludisia Discolor, plant height above 10cm, 5 to 6 leaves, fresh weight 1 to 2g can be harvested. When harvested, they are uprooted (they can also cut the stems and regenerate the roots), shaken off the soil, exposed to the sun, or dried by fire.
Ludisia discolor

How to care for Ludisia Discolor

1.The soil

It is better to use peat soil when planting Ludisia Discolor. This kind of soil has certain air permeability and water permeability and is relatively fertile. It can also avoid soil compaction, which is conducive to plant growth. But if you collect or use peat, sterilize it at high temperatures.

2. Water

When carrying out potted plants, it is best to choose the pot bottom porous, so when watering it is not easy to water. At ordinary times, it is necessary to maintain a certain degree of moisture in the soil. Water the Ludisia Discolor once every 2~3 days in spring and autumn, every day in summer, and once every 4~5 days in winter. When the air is dry, the Ludisia Discolor can also be sprayed with water to moisturize.

3. Light

Like a warm environment, in the growth process, ensure sufficient light, but to avoid direct glare. It is best to put it in a semi-shade environment for maintenance. When the balcony that faces south direction or windowsill is maintained, we need to undertake shading with shading net, lest cause burn. In winter, Ludisia Discolor needs no shading, carrying out photosynthesis normally.

4. Fertilization

Ludisia Discolor is relatively slow growing, so thin fertilizer should be applied frequently. During the bloom period, thin liquid fertilizer should be applied once every 15 to 20 days. In summer, when the temperature is too high and in winter, when the temperature is too low, stop fertilization, then the plant enters dormant period, continue fertilization will cause fertilizer damage.

5. Temperature 

The most suitable growth temperature is between 18℃ and 25℃, too high or too low is not suitable for its growth. In winter, the temperature is lower than 10℃, and the plant will grow slowly. In case of continuous low temperature, the plant will suffer from freezing injury, and the leaves will turn yellow and wither, which will affect the growth of the next year. More about  ludisia discolor propagation.
Ludisia discolor