Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
LUDISIA argyroneura
Plant Common Name
Jewel Orchid
General Description
Beautiful, dark, velvety green leaves with crackled yellowy venation lend this jewel orchid spectacular beauty all season long. A native of equatorial rain forests from Indonesia to the Philippines, this terrestrial beauty lacks pseudobulbs but grows from an elongated, creeping rhizome from which emanates stout, fleshy roots.
The pointy, oblong to elliptical leaves are covered with tiny hairs that give the surface a velvety look and feel. The topsides are deep green with ornate contrasting venation and undersides purplish green. In autumn to early winter an upright cluster (raceme) of tiny greenish yellow to bronzy maroon flowers appear. These are faintly fragrant and insect pollinated.
Grow jewel orchid in frost-free gardens or conservatories with bright, indirect light. They grow best in a well-drained pot with a combination of grit and peat potting mix. To keep the foliage looking perfect, keep the soil evenly moist, but never wet, and offer good air movement and high ambient humidity. Jewel orchid is relatively easy to grow and makes an attractive houseplant.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
