Ludisia discolor is called the "jewel orchid" and is the best-known species in its group.

The plant only grows to about 10 cm tall without a flower stalk. The leaves are 5-9 cm long with a dark green, sometimes almost black base color and usually three pink to red longitudinal stripes. The colors come out best in low light and warm temperatures.

The leaves are spirally arranged on the stems. When the plant reaches a certain size, the inflorescence emerges from the center and can be 30 cm high. The flowers are small, white and discreet.

After flowering, the shoot slowly dies but develops many offshoots that grow to flowering size. In this way, dense mats are formed over time from a single plant, which looks fantastic in a terrarium.

Botanical description

Ludisia discolor comes from a large area stretching from southern China, through Sumatra to the Philippines. In nature, it grows in full shade, often directly on damp rocks where it crawls with its thick, fleshy rhizomes.

Care

Light : Needs little light and should never be placed in direct sunlight. Leaf color is better in low light, but the plant will grow more slowly.

Planting : Use a very loose substrate such as coconut chips . Do not bury the stems when replanting, just place them on top of the substrate. In a terrarium it can also be grown on rocks or similar surfaces that are kept slightly moist but not wet. Use a well-drained pot like our orchid pots.

Watering : Do not keep too moist and avoid water in the center of the shoot as it can cause rot.

Fertilization : Fertilize sparingly but regularly with a mild complete fertilizer such as orchid fertilizer. Give about every 1-2 weeks in ¼ to ½ concentration. Buy Ludisia discolor online!