Jewel orchid Ludisia discolor
Jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family, native to Forest floors of southern China, Indochina, Malaysia and Indonesia. It grows 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Jewel orchid at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Mature height | 10–30 cm (4–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Forest floors of southern China, Indochina, Malaysia and Indonesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Jewel orchid toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Jewel orchid
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Jewel orchid
- How far apart should I plant Jewel orchid?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Jewel orchid need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jewel orchid need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Jewel orchid?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Jewel orchid flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Jewel orchid poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Jewel orchid?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Jewel orchid. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- A ground orchid grown for its leaves rather than its flowers: velvety, near-black purple leaves finely veined with shining pink-red lines. Spikes of small white flowers with yellow centres appear in winter. Unlike most orchids it grows in ordinary potting mix and takes low light.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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