Ludisia

( loo - DIS - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of terrestrial orchid plants includes species that produce velvety foliage commonly in green and maroon. They are commonly called Jewel Orchid. Flowers produced are small, but they appear along stalks that rise up high above the foliage and last for a month or longer. These plants need high humidity, low-light conditions and warm temperatures to really thrive. They are considered endangered due to climate change and poaching.

Ludisia Species and Varietals

The genus Ludisia includes just two species, and is a member of the plant family Orchidaceae. They are terrestrial orchids that grow along the forest floor in high humidity areas. They can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 11-12, or indoors in any zone. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ludisia discolor (Jewel Orchid, Black Jewel Orchid, Golden Lace Orchid, Jeweled Ludisia)
This highly sought-after terrestrial orchid is native to Southeast Asia, and is grown for its stunning foliage. Flowers are small, fragrant, and white, and bloom on upright stems. Individual plants reach up to 6-12 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide at maturity. Creeping rhizome roots will allow these plants to slowly spread from where they are planted. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Alba'
Lush, pale green foliage with white veins. 4-8 in. tall and 8-12 in. across.

'Dawsoniana'
Maroon to blackish-green foliage with red underneath.

'Nigrescens'
(Black Velvet)
Velvety, nearly black leaves with contrasting midveins.

'Spiderman'
With sparking copper veining on dark green-maroon leaves.

Caring for Ludisia

Ludisia can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 11 or 12, and otherwise is kept as an indoor or terrarium plant. Install Ludisia in an area of the garden that gets partial to dappled sun. Too much direct sunlight will scorch foliage and create white patches. The space should be protected and maintain constant humidity. Their ideal temperature range is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil should be well-draining and relatively rich in nutrients. If local soils are particularly poor or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic material and compost, working it into the soil before installing plants. After planting, apply a thick layer of mulch on top of the soil around the base of plants. This will help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep mulch away from the plant stems, as this can encourage an environment for root rot issues to take hold. Water new plantings regularly as they develop a strong root system. Mature plants also appreciate consistently moist soil; irrigate whenever the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch.

Fertilize these plants yearly with a dressing of organic compost, pulling back mulch to apply before gently working it into the soil, watering, and then replacing the mulch. Prune plants to remove spent flowers and any dead, damaged or diseased foliage. Remove flower spikes when all flowers have faded. Protect from cool temperatures (anything under 70 degrees Fahrenheit has the potential to damage plants). These ornamentals can survive for decades before needing to be replaced. They will spread to form clumps via underground rhizome roots, which provides new plants indefinitely for the landscape.

Propagation

Ludisia plants are best propagated via cutting. To propagate your Jewel Orchid, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Ludisia by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In late summer or early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that the plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances the cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6-8 inch softwood or semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. It should be kept in warm, sunny conditions in a protected area. Water whenever the soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, the cutting should be rooted. New growth indicates the formation of roots.
Continue regular care.