How to Plant and Care for Jewel Orchid

With its maroon, almost black leaves, the jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor) is an eye-catching, easy-to-grow houseplant. Yes, it does flower, but the petite white flowers often take a backstage role to the plant's bold, velvety foliage—which often features red, gold, and salmon-colored contrasting veins.

The jewel orchid, which is native to the forest floors of Southeast Asia, has similar growing requirements to other plants in the orchid group, but grows best when its potting media does not dry out. This habit makes it an excellent choice for terrariums. There are other orchid cultivars commonly referred to as "jewel orchids" (such as Macodes petola) but Ludisia discolor is easier to care for and can handle the average humidity levels in a home.

Where to Plant Jewel Orchid

Jewel orchids thrive in low to medium diffused light, but can tolerate extremely low light. Avoid spots that get direct sunlight as the sun may scorch your orchid's delicate leaves. Rooms with north- or east-facing windows are ideal. Jewel orchids also love slightly humid spaces (like kitchens and bathrooms) but can thrive in average household humidity (between 40% and 60%) if watered regularly and kept out of direct light.

Plant your jewel orchid in a shallow container filled with loamy, well-draining potting mix (a mix of orchid potting mix, perlite, and peat moss would work). If planting your jewel orchid in a terrarium, choose a substrate that retains moisture, but has excellent drainage. An orchid bark is not a suitable substrate for jewel orchids as they are terrestrial and prefer to spread their roots through soil.

Jewel Orchid Care Tips

Jewel orchids—which are prized not for their flowers but for their pretty leaves—are easier to care for than notoriously fussy orchids (such as Masdevallia and Dracula orchids). They can also be grown in low light and are a popular choice for terrariums.

Light

Jewel orchids are tolerant of low-light situations. They are, after all, natives of the dappled forest floor where sunlight is filtered through a canopy of trees. Keep your jewel orchid out of direct sunlight and place it instead in an area with bright, indirect light (such as an east or north-facing window).

Soil and Water

Jewel orchids grow best in soil and not orchid bark. Since jewel orchids are terrestrial, they prefer something loamy with excellent drainage. Try mixing orchid potting mix (or another high-quality potting mix) with perlite and peat moss or coconut coir.

Jewel orchids thrive with consistent moisture throughout the year, but don't like being waterlogged. Water your plants only when the soil is just barely dry to the touch. High humidity will also stimulate steady growth. Create a humid growing environment by placing your orchid container on a tray of pebbles. Add water to just below the top of the pebbles so the orchid can drain freely.

Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature for jewel orchids is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can withstand temperatures as low as 50° and as high as 90°. Avoid exposing your jewel orchid to extreme temperature shifts and make sure the plant is kept away from radiators, vents, and space heaters.

Jewel orchids also enjoy a relatively humid environment (between 50% and 70% humidity). If your space is dry, consider using a humidifier or wet pebble tray to increase the plant's environmental humidity. You could also expose it to more moisture by keeping your orchid in a bathroom or kitchen.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your jewel orchid every 4 to 8 weeks (from spring through fall) to encourage more leaves. In the winter, take a break. Opt for an orchid-specific liquid fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer diluted to 50 percent.

Pruning

If your jewel orchid becomes leggy, use sharp, sterilized shears to cut the plant back in a symmetrical fashion to help it keep its shape. You should also trim away any yellow, dying, or diseased leaves and stems.

If your jewel orchid blooms, prune the flowers off as they wilt. Once flowering has finished, cut off the flower stalk at its base with sharp shears. You can also pinch off the flower stalk as soon as it emerges (before blooming) to encourage more lush foliage.

Potting and Repotting

Your jewel orchid should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it begins to show signs of distress (like exposed, tangled roots). To do so, soak your jewel orchid for several hours and then rinse away the old substrate. Partially fill your new container (keep it shallow) with a fresh mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. Place your orchid in the center of the container and secure the roots with more of your soil and substrate mix. Water thoroughly.

Pests and Problems

Jewel orchids are prone to issues with mealy bugs, spider mites, and aphids. If you see these pests or signs of them, remove the pests manually and spray the plant and substrate with horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol. Repeat once a week until the pests are gone.

Jewel orchids aren't known for issues with plant diseases, but may struggle with powdery mildew if allowed to dry out too often. Overwatering and soggy conditions can also cause root rot.

How to Propagate Jewel Orchid

The easiest way to propagate jewel orchids is via division or cuttings. To divide yours, soak the plant and rinse away the old soil and substrate. Carefully tease apart the roots and separate them into two or three parts, each with a sizable system of roots. Repot each section into a new container and water thoroughly.

To propagate your jewel orchid via stem cuttings, use sharp, sterilized shears to cut a healthy 3 to 4-inch stem from your plant (just below the node of the stem). Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem and plant the cut end in well-draining potting mix. Keep it in a place with indirect sunlight and water the cutting weekly to keep the soil evenly moist. You can also place the pot in a ventilated plastic bag to increase the humidity around your cutting. It should take root in several weeks.

Types of Jewel Orchid

Ludisia is a monotypic genus, which means it contains only one species. There are, however, different cultivars of Ludisia discolor to consider.

Ludisia discolor 'Alba'

This cultivar is a lighter variant with light green leaves intricately-veined with silver and white.

Ludisia discolor 'Nigrescens'

This variant of jewel orchid features velvety, olive-green leaves with a single, central vein in silver.

Ludisia discolor 'Dragon Fire'

A unique (and relatively new) cultivar, the 'Dragon Fire' jewel orchid features emerald-green foliage with a web of shimmering, copper-gold veins.

Companion Plants for Jewel Orchid

Thanks to its midnight-hue foliage, jewel orchid is particularly striking when paired with houseplants with the usual greenery. Trailing pothos and philodendron are two easy-to-grow companion plants. Pair jewel orchids with other orchids in a warm, humid spot where they can break up the monotony of strappy green foliage with their deep magenta striped leaves.