Photo: Nitesh8de at English Wikipedia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Jewel Orchid
Ludisia discolor
Grown for velvety dark leaves with pinstripe veins rather than flowers. A striking centrepiece.
- Terrarium type
- Closed
- Terrarium size
- Medium
- Light
- Low to medium
- Care level
- Moderate
- Growth habit
- Upright
- Pet safety
- Non-toxic to pets
Growing Jewel Orchid in a terrarium
Where to place it
A shade-lover: give it low to medium indirect light and it becomes a striking dark-leaved centrepiece. Too much light dulls the velvety pinstriped foliage.
Watering & humidity
Keep the substrate evenly moist in its closed home; it enjoys steady warmth and humidity. Ease off slightly if growth slows in winter.
Watch out for
It's grown for its leaves, not flowers, so don't fret if it doesn't bloom. Mushy stems mean the substrate is staying too wet around the crown.
Reference: Ludisia discolor on Wikipedia.
Jewel Orchid FAQ
Can Jewel Orchid grow in a closed terrarium?+
Yes — Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor) thrives in a closed terrarium. The sealed glass traps the constant, high humidity it needs, and it tolerates the lower light inside a covered vessel.
Can Jewel Orchid grow in an open terrarium?+
It isn't recommended. Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor) wants the constant humidity of a sealed, closed terrarium and will quickly dry out and crisp up in an open, airy one.
What size terrarium does Jewel Orchid need?+
Jewel Orchid suits a medium terrarium — bowls & mid-size. It has a upright growth habit, so plan its position with that in mind and trim or divide it if it starts to outgrow the glass.
Is Jewel Orchid easy to care for?+
Jewel Orchid is rated moderate to care for in a terrarium. Grown for velvety dark leaves with pinstripe veins rather than flowers. A striking centrepiece. It's grown for its leaves, not flowers, so don't fret if it doesn't bloom. Mushy stems mean the substrate is staying too wet around the crown.
How much light does Jewel Orchid need?+
Jewel Orchid does best in low to medium light. Keep it out of direct sun, which magnifies through glass and scorches leaves. A shade-lover: give it low to medium indirect light and it becomes a striking dark-leaved centrepiece. Too much light dulls the velvety pinstriped foliage.
Is Jewel Orchid safe for cats and dogs?+
Jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor) is non-toxic to cats and dogs — orchids are pet-safe according to the ASPCA.
