About
Ludisia discolor, the black jewel orchid, is a creeping, terrestrial orchid producing a low mat of velvety, dark purple-brown leaves 4�7 cm long with striking red or gold veins � among the most ornamental foliage of any orchid. Small, white flowers with a yellow lip are borne on short stems to 8 cm in winter. Grown primarily for its extraordinary foliage rather than its flowers, in a warm, shaded, moist position indoors or in a heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Ludisia, the jewel orchids, are terrestrial orchids grown primarily for their extraordinarily beautiful, velvety, patterned foliage rather than their flowers. Grown in warm, shaded, moist conditions indoors or in heated greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toHimalaya to Java
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a shallow pot, in an airy position with good humidity. Grows best in houseplant compost or a mixture of medium to coarse bark with a small amount of sphagnum moss. Allow the compost to dry out between waterings and feed frequently with orchid fertiliser. See Orchids: indoor cultivation for further information
PruningCut back flower stems when the flowers die
PropagationPlant the fleshy stems that break off in sphagnum moss until roots form - approximately 6 weeks, cuttings can then be potted up into houseplant compost after about 6 months
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free