Also known as Jewel Orchid · Twisty-Flowered Orchid
Ludisia (Ludisia discolor) is a terrestrial orchid prized for its striking velvety foliage with prominent red veins, often grown as a houseplant.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
50% intensity
Shade tolerant, but may grow slower and have less vibrant foliage.
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Allow the top inch to dry slightly between waterings.
50% intensity
Prefers distilled, rainwater, or filtered water.
Well-draining potting mix
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures, ideally between 18-24°C (65-75°F).
50% intensity
Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations and cold drafts.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring/summer).
50% intensity
Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top centimeter of soil to dry out between waterings.
Use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water to prevent mineral buildup, which can harm the plant. Reduce watering slightly during cooler, dormant periods.
Pruning is minimal for Ludisia. Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage more blooms. If the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, you can trim back stems to maintain a more compact shape.
Pruning can be done anytime, but is best after flowering.
Ludisia is easily propagated by stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem cutting with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cut end in moist potting mix or sphagnum moss.
Roots will form within a few weeks, especially in warm, humid conditions.
Repot your Ludisia every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its current container. The best time to repot is in spring, before the active growing season begins.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend for orchids or a peat-based mix with added perlite.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Ludisia (Ludisia discolor)
Where Ludisia (Ludisia discolor) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Ludisia |
| Species | Ludisia discolor |
Similar in genus Ludisia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
