Macodes Petola var Salaka
$999.00
Out of stock
The Silver Spark of Salak Mountain
Hailing from the misty, volcanic slopes of Mount Salak in West Java, the Macodes petola var. salaka is a rare and localized variation of the legendary Jewel Orchid. This variety is a master of natural contrast, distinguished by its broader leaves and a "colder," more silvery shimmer compared to its golden cousins. For the collector who seeks a plant that feels like a piece of living starlight, the Salaka variety is a breathtaking treasure—a sophisticated, "frost-etched" masterpiece that brings the cool, humid air of the Javanese highlands into your sanctuary.
Growth Habit (How it Grows): This is a petite, terrestrial orchid that creeps along the damp, mossy forest floor. It spreads via a soft, fleshy rhizome that anchors itself into leaf litter and moss, staying low to the ground in a lush, clumping form. Its compact nature makes it an ideal inhabitant for specialized glass orbs or high-end terrarium landscapes.
Exotic Foliage (The Leaves): The leaves are broad and heart-shaped with a deep, light-absorbing velvet texture. While the base is a dark, moody green, the intricate network of veins is a brilliant, icy silver-white. These veins possess a high degree of iridescence, appearing to "sparkle" or flash like lightning when the plant is viewed from different angles.
Light & Color: This "jewel" thrives in low to medium, indirect light, mimicking the shaded canopy of its mountain home. To keep the silver patterns sharp and prevent the leaves from fading, avoid all direct sunlight. Soft, ambient light is essential for preserving the deep, velvet-night color of the foliage.
Care & Maintenance: This variety is a high-humidity specialist (above 75%) that requires stable temperatures and moist air to thrive. It prefers a porous, moisture-retentive medium like long-fiber sphagnum moss or a specialized orchid mix. The substrate should remain consistently damp but never waterlogged, as the delicate roots and stems are highly susceptible to rot. Using distilled or rainwater is vital to keep the sensitive leaves free from mineral burn.
Safety Note (Important): While non-toxic, this orchid is physically very fragile. Its succulent stems can snap under pressure, and the velvet leaves can "melt" if water is allowed to sit on them for too long in stagnant air. It is happiest when kept in a protected glass enclosure with good humidity but subtle air circulation.
