Jewel Orchid

Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor) is a ground-dwelling orchid grown for its foliage rather than its flowers: near black to copper-gold leaves with red undersides, on fleshy stems with pinkish-white markings. It stays low, with foliage usually around 20cm tall, and in the right conditions it sends up delicate white flower spikes that last for up to a month. It is a shade-loving plant for tropical gardens and for indoors.

Why you'll love it

• Jewelled foliage. Metallic, patterned leaves in near black to copper-gold, with red undersides, add colour without a single flower.
• White flower spikes. Delicate white flowers on long stems last for up to a month.
• Made for shade. It wants filtered light rather than direct sun, so it suits the spots where other flowering plants will not grow.
• Ideal indoors. Warm, humid, sheltered rooms such as bathrooms suit it, and it adds depth to a grouping of green foliage plants.
• Shallow roots. A shallow pot or hanging basket is enough, so it fits tight spaces.

Where it works best

Indoors. Give it a bright position with filtered light but no direct sun, such as a bathroom or a room with sheer curtains. It does best where the air is warm and humid.

Tropical gardens. In frost-free gardens, tuck it under a shaded canopy or a tree fern, where the forest floor conditions it enjoys are easy to copy.

Shallow pots and hanging baskets. Because the roots are shallow, a wide, shallow pot or a hanging basket suits it better than a deep one. Space plants about 25cm apart.

Growing Jewel Orchid in Australia

Position and climate. Filtered light, never direct sun. In temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, increase the shade and humidity. It comes from the forest floor of South East Asia, so outdoors it suits frost-free tropical and subtropical gardens, and indoors it suits any home.

Soil. A well draining mix: chunky orchid bark combined with potting mix is recommended. Use a shallow pot, because the roots are shallow.

Water and feed. Let the mix dry out between waterings, which is the most important rule, because constantly wet roots rot. Feed with a dilute orchid fertiliser once a fortnight while the plant is growing.

Pruning. Little is needed. Cut spent flower spikes off at the base when the blooms fade, and remove any dead leaves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Jewel Orchid as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. A tube is a small start, and jewel orchids build up gradually. Keep it warm and humid after arrival, out of direct sun, and give it time: the foliage fills out and flowers come once the plant has settled.

Our tube stock is grown for us and is not always on the shelf. A tube marked sold out means the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• House and indoor plants
• Low light indoor plants
• Tropical plants for warm gardens
• Orchid care and maintenance

Common questions

Does it need bright light?

It needs filtered light but not direct sun. A bright room with a sheer curtain, or the shade of a tree outdoors, is ideal. Direct sun scorches the leaves.

How often should I water it?

Allow the mix to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly. Overwatering is the main cause of failure. In warm weather and when growing, feed with a dilute orchid fertiliser once a fortnight.

Will it flower indoors?

It can. Warm, humid, sheltered conditions and good filtered light may be rewarded with long white flower spikes that last up to a month.