Rare Jewel Orchid from Southeast Asia with almost black leaves and shimmering pink-white veins

Anoectochilus chapaensis is a small jewel orchid found from Southern China to Northern Vietnam and Myanmar. It is often still considered a synonym of Anoectochilus brevilabris, but has been recognized as its own species again since a revision in 2025. In nature, it grows in very shady places, usually directly on moist rocks (lithophytic).

It reaches a height of only about 5 to 10 centimeters (without flower stalk), with leaves 5 to 7 centimeters long, growing somewhat larger than other Anoectochilus. The leaves have a brown, sometimes almost black base color with fine, striking pink to white shimmering leaf veins. The pattern is somewhat more subtle and delicate than in other jewel orchids, which provides very good camouflage on the forest floor.

The leaves are arranged spirally on the shoots, and when they reach a certain size, an inflorescence emerges from their center that can reach up to 25 centimeters in height. The flowers are small, brownish-red or white, and rather insignificant. After flowering, the shoot from which the inflorescence grew slowly dies back, but forms numerous runners which in turn grow to flowering size. Through this cycle, dense mats form from a single plant over time, which looks absolutely fantastic in a terrarium.

This orchid belongs to the so-called jewel orchids and is rarely found in private collections in Europe.

Care

Requires very little light and should never be placed in direct sunlight. Should be kept in a terrarium or plant cabinet and always requires warm temperatures and high humidity. Plant in very loose substrate, or grow lithophytically on a surface that is always slightly moist but not wet. Do not keep too moist and avoid water in the center of the shoot as this can cause rot.

Ideal temperature 20-28 degrees Celsius with high humidity (80-90%).