This is an undervalued orchid, beautiful leaves and interesting flowers.
I had mine for ages before I decided it might do better in a glass-house. Big mistake, it dwindled away and died. If I can find another one I will grow it with my small collection of Phalaenopsis grown indoors all year.
A symptom of too much light is enhanced orange tones in the foliage.
As far as the light goes, it is all relative. The Phals are inside because direct searing sunlight (here) will burn leaves at any time of year...When I visited a specialist Phal grower with a dedicated Phal. house, the light inthere i would describe as positively gloomy. Every orchid grower should have a light meter.Lol
Good luck and enjoy.

This post was edited by arthurm on Sat, Sep 20, 14 at 19:49

I agree, undervalued. As far as light goes, I would put it in very bright light but no direct sun. Water as for any plant growing in sphagnum moss - use distilled water and light amounts of fertilizer (MSU should be fine). If you are careful about water quality, it should last more than a year. If you don't give it enough light the plant will stretch and grow towards whatever light there is.

Thanks so much for the help! I am planning to use rain water (just got a barrel!) is that ok instead of distilled?
And here is a pic of the two together. Pictures don't do them justice though, the leaves have a texture just like velvet, and the same kind of irridescent sheen that velvet does.

Close up of the species...

and 'Black'

They are both Ludisia discolor. The correct name for the second plant might be Ludisia discolor var.nigrescens.

Yes I know they are both L. discolor. The full names as listed on the nursery labels are L. discolor 'The Jewel Orchid' (the big one) and L. discolor 'The Black Jewel Orchid'. I have seen the 'black' one referred to as var. nigrescens, but it's never been clear to me if it's a natural variation found in the wild or if it was developed by someone. If anyone knows or can point me to a reference, that would be great, I am still learning the nomenclature.

I said it might be Ludisia discolor var.nigrescens. There doesn't seem to be a register of orchid varieties though it is useful to look up the checklist of plant species kept at Kew.

My understanding is that a variety is something found in nature while a clone is something that is a result of cultivation.

Looking at a tag of one of my orchids;
C. intermedia var. coerulea.
(4n) x var. amethystina (4n)
Only amethystina appears on the RHS checklist.

This orchid flowered not looking like either of those varieties. ie a "normal"
C. intermedia though superior to most in shape, size and texture.
I benched it at an orchid meeting as C.intermedia 'Luther'
There is no register of clone names but some names are informally reserved such as Carmela, Orchidglade, H & R, etc etc.

Getting back to your orchid I prefer var. nigrescens to the horrible 'The Black Jewel Orchid'

Good luck in the murky world of nomenclature.

This post was edited by arthurm on Sun, Sep 21, 14 at 2:44