About Black Velvet Jewel Orchid
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid Introduction
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid, botanically classified as Ludisia discolor, is a terrestrial evergreen orchid in the family Orchidaceae, distinguished from the majority of orchids grown as houseplants by its emphasis on foliage rather than flowers, though it offers an appealing measure of both. It is native to the humid forest floors and stream banks of Southeast Asia and southern China, where it spreads as a low, creeping groundcover in the dappled shade beneath the forest canopy, conditions that have shaped its preference for low to moderate indirect light, consistent moisture, and warm, humid air, while also giving it somewhat greater tolerance for average indoor conditions than many of its jewel orchid relatives.
The defining feature of this species is its fleshy, ovate leaves, deep blackish-brown to almost black in color with a soft velvety texture, overlaid with fine, iridescent veins of copper, red, or pink that radiate outward from the leaf’s midrib, a striking contrast that has earned the species its common name and made it a longstanding favorite among collectors long before the recent surge in jewel orchid popularity. The coloration and vein intensity can vary somewhat between individual plants and cultivated varieties, some of which have been selectively bred for particularly vivid vein patterns or slightly different base leaf color, giving hobbyists a range of forms to collect within the species.
What sets Ludisia discolor apart from many other jewel orchids, and what has made it especially popular among houseplant enthusiasts, is the combination of dramatic, richly colored foliage, a naturally spreading, easy-to-propagate growth habit, and a genuine, reliable winter flowering period, all wrapped in a plant that tolerates typical home humidity considerably better than most of its relatives in the jewel orchid group. Its manageable size, tolerance of lower light, and relative ease of propagation by simple stem cuttings have made it one of the more accessible jewel orchids for growers who want to experiment with this specialized category of foliage plant without committing to a fully enclosed terrarium setup.
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid Care & Growing Guide
Caring for Black Velvet Jewel Orchid is more approachable than caring for many other jewel orchids, making it a good entry point for growers with some general houseplant experience who want to branch into this specialized, textural category without needing a dedicated high-humidity terrarium. This species does best in a loose, well-aerated, orchid-appropriate mix, low to medium indirect light, and a watering routine that keeps the growing medium consistently moist without becoming waterlogged, reflecting its origins as a groundcover on the humid, humus-rich floor of tropical forests.
During active growth in the warmer months, Black Velvet Jewel Orchid benefits from gentle, filtered light, evenly moist growing medium, elevated humidity in the range of 50 to 70 percent, and light, regular feeding to support steady stem and leaf production. While this species appreciates higher humidity, it is markedly more forgiving of average home humidity than many other jewel orchids, and it can often thrive on an open shelf or in a lightly humid bathroom or kitchen setting as long as watering and light are managed well, though a terrarium or humidity tray will still produce the lushest, most vividly colored growth. Occasional grooming to trim back leggy stems and remove any yellowing leaves helps keep the spreading clump dense and attractive.
During the cooler months, watering and feeding should be reduced slightly to match the plant’s more modest growth rate, and this is also the season when flower spikes are most likely to appear, so growers should watch for buds and avoid disturbing the plant with repotting or heavy pruning during this period. With warm, stable temperatures, moderate to high humidity, gentle indirect light, and a consistently moist but well-draining growing medium, Black Velvet Jewel Orchid rewards attentive growers with a spreading mat of jewel-toned foliage and a reliable season of delicate winter flowers, making it one of the more rewarding and forgiving jewel orchids to bring into a home collection.
Soil
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid requires a loose, well-aerated growing medium rather than standard potting soil, most successfully grown in a fine, moisture-retentive orchid or terrarium-style mix rather than the chunky bark blends used for epiphytic orchids. A recommended mix combines fine orchid bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and a small amount of compost or leaf mold, recreating the loose, humus-rich substrate this species roots into on the forest floor. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, generally between 5.5 and 6.5.
Soil composition has a meaningful impact on this plant’s long-term health, since its fine, shallow root system can dry out too quickly in overly coarse mixes or become waterlogged and prone to rot in mixes that are too dense or moisture-retentive without adequate aeration. Adding extra sphagnum moss helps maintain the even moisture this species prefers, while perlite or fine bark improves aeration and helps prevent the medium from compacting over time.
Common soil problems to watch for include poor drainage, which can lead to root and stem rot if the mix becomes waterlogged or compacted; soil compaction over time, which restricts root aeration and is best corrected by refreshing the growing medium periodically; inappropriate pH, which can limit nutrient uptake and weaken overall vigor; salt build-up from tap water or fertilizer residue, visible as a white crust on the medium surface and best remedied by flushing thoroughly with distilled or filtered water; and nutrient deficiencies, often presenting as pale or dull foliage with reduced vein contrast, correctable with light, appropriately timed fertilization. Root-boundness is tolerated somewhat better by this vigorous, spreading species than by more delicate jewel orchids, but a congested root mass still benefits from periodic division or repotting to sustain healthy growth.
Fertilizer
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid has modest fertilization needs and benefits from light, regular feeding during its active growing months, using a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength and applied approximately every three to four weeks from spring through early fall. Fertilization should be reduced to roughly once every six to eight weeks, or paused entirely, during the cooler winter months when growth slows and the plant is often focused on flowering rather than vegetative growth. Signs of over-fertilization include browned or burnt leaf tips, a white or crusty residue on the growing medium surface, and unusually soft or dark new growth, while under-fertilization typically presents as pale, dull foliage with reduced vein contrast and a general slowdown in new stem production over successive growing seasons. Organic alternatives such as a well-diluted seaweed extract or fish emulsion can be used during the active growing season for growers preferring a more natural approach, and because this species has a relatively fine root system, consistently light, diluted feeding tends to serve it better over time than infrequent, heavier applications.
Watering
Watering Black Velvet Jewel Orchid requires a consistent, moisture-forward approach rather than the dry-down cycle typical of many houseplants, since this terrestrial species is adapted to the evenly moist forest floor and stream banks of its native range and does not tolerate prolonged drying out. The growing medium should be kept lightly and consistently moist at all times, watered whenever the surface begins to feel just barely dry to the touch, while still ensuring the pot has adequate drainage so water never sits stagnant around the roots. Distilled water, rainwater, or filtered water is generally preferred over hard tap water, since accumulated mineral salts and chlorine can cause leaf tip burn and gradually harm the sensitive root system over time, though this species is somewhat more forgiving of average tap water than many other jewel orchids.
Watering needs remain fairly steady throughout the year given this species’ preference for consistent moisture, though a modest reduction in frequency during the cooler winter months helps prevent the medium from staying oversaturated as evaporation slows and growth eases. Signs of overwatering include soft, blackened stem tissue at the base, a sour odor from the growing medium, and yellowing or dropping leaves, all of which call for improved drainage and a temporary reduction in watering frequency, while signs of underwatering include wrinkled, dull, or drooping leaves and a general loss of the plant’s normally plump, glossy appearance. Because this species prefers evenly moist conditions but still requires good drainage to avoid rot, frequent, moderate watering paired with a well-aerated mix is the most reliable approach for long-term health.
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Lighting
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid grows best in low to medium, indirect light, reflecting its native habitat on the shaded forest floor beneath a dense tropical canopy, and it is notably more tolerant of lower light conditions than most flowering houseplants, making it well suited to north-facing windows, several feet back from an east or west window, or shelving in a moderately lit room. Insufficient light will not usually harm the plant outright but can result in slower growth, fewer or smaller flower spikes, and slightly duller leaf coloration, since even shade-tolerant plants benefit from some consistent brightness to fuel photosynthesis. Direct, intense sunlight is the greater risk for this species and can quickly scorch the fleshy leaves, causing bleached or brown patches and a washed-out appearance to the normally rich, dark coloration, so this orchid should be kept out of direct midday sun, particularly in summer. Because natural light in many homes can be inconsistent, growers often supplement with a low-intensity, full-spectrum LED grow light positioned above the plant and run for ten to twelve hours daily, which reliably supports steady growth and flowering without the risk of leaf burn associated with strong natural sun.
Temperature
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid prefers warm, stable temperatures, thriving between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) year-round, with little need for a pronounced winter temperature drop, though a slight, natural seasonal dip in typical home conditions does not interfere with its reliable winter flowering. It has limited cold tolerance and should be protected from temperatures below 55°F (13°C), since prolonged cold exposure can slow growth, cause leaf damage, and increase susceptibility to rot, making this species unsuitable for outdoor cultivation outside of warm, frost-free, humid climates. The plant is moderately sensitive to sudden temperature swings and cold drafts, so it should be kept away from drafty windows, exterior doors, and air conditioning vents, though it is somewhat more resilient to minor fluctuations than more delicate jewel orchid relatives. To keep this species comfortable, maintain warm, relatively stable indoor temperatures year-round and avoid placing it in any location prone to sudden cold drafts or heat spikes near heating vents.
Humidity
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid prefers elevated humidity in the range of 50 to 70 percent to look and grow its best, though it is considerably more tolerant of average indoor humidity than most other jewel orchids, making it one of the few species in this group that can be grown successfully outside of a fully enclosed terrarium. In humidity below this range, the plant will often still survive but may show slightly duller leaf color, marginally slower growth, and occasional crisping at the very tips of the leaves, particularly in heated indoor air during winter. Signs of well-matched humidity include plump, glossy, richly colored leaves, vigorous new stem growth, and reliable flowering, while symptoms of excessively low humidity include curling or crisping leaf margins and reduced vigor over time. Effective ways to boost humidity for this species include grouping it with other plants, placing it on a pebble tray with water kept below the pot’s base, running a small room humidifier nearby, or growing it in a partially open terrarium or humidity dome, all of which are more reliable than occasional misting alone; because this plant is more adaptable than most jewel orchids, even simple measures like a pebble tray or a naturally humid bathroom windowsill can be sufficient for healthy, attractive growth.
Propagation
Propagating Ludisia discolor
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid is propagated primarily and very successfully through stem cuttings, a method that takes advantage of the plant’s naturally creeping, self-rooting growth habit and makes this one of the easiest jewel orchids to multiply at home, while propagation from seed is essentially impractical outside of sterile laboratory conditions due to the specialized symbiotic germination requirements typical of the orchid family. The best time to propagate is during the active growing season in spring or summer, when cuttings root most quickly and reliably.
Step-by-Step: Stem Cutting Propagation
- Select a healthy stem section with at least two to three leaf nodes, using clean, sharp scissors to cut it from the parent plant just below a node.
- Allow the cut end to air-dry for a few hours in a shaded location to reduce the risk of rot once planted.
- Place the cutting horizontally on the surface of moist, well-aerated growing medium, or insert the lower end vertically into the mix so at least one node makes good contact with the moist substrate.
- Keep the cutting in a warm, humid location such as a covered propagation tray or partially enclosed terrarium, maintaining consistently moist medium throughout the rooting period.
- Expect root and new growth development within three to six weeks, at which point visible new roots or the emergence of a new leaf indicates successful establishment.
- Once rooted and showing steady new growth, transition the young plant to a small pot with standard jewel orchid growing medium and begin a normal watering and light routine appropriate for established specimens.
Compared to seed propagation, which is essentially never attempted by home growers, stem cuttings root readily and reliably in this species, giving Ludisia discolor one of the highest propagation success rates among jewel orchids. Rooted cuttings typically establish as independent, actively growing plants within about two months under suitable warm, humid conditions.
Potting
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid should be planted in a shallow, wide pot with adequate drainage, since its creeping, spreading growth habit benefits from horizontal room to expand more than from a deep container, and plastic or glazed ceramic pots are often preferred over unglazed terracotta, which can wick away moisture too quickly for this consistently moist-loving species. Repotting or refreshing the growing medium is typically needed every twelve to eighteen months for actively growing specimens, and should be done during the warmer growing months using a fresh, loose, moisture-retentive but well-aerated mix, since the organic components of jewel orchid mixes break down and compact more quickly than bark-based mixes used for epiphytic orchids. Signs that repotting is needed include a sour smell from the medium, visibly compacted or broken-down substrate, roots emerging heavily over the soil surface, and a noticeable decline in growth vigor despite otherwise appropriate care. When repotting, handle the shallow, fleshy root system with care, and light root pruning of any rotted or damaged sections can help refresh the plant, though this should be done conservatively. To minimize transplant stress, repot during active growth when possible, maintain consistent moisture and humidity immediately after repotting, and avoid letting the fresh medium dry out during the plant’s adjustment period.
Pruning
When and Why to Prune
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid benefits from occasional pruning to remove leggy, sparse-leaved stems, trim away spent flower spikes once blooming has finished, and keep the spreading clump dense and full rather than thin and straggly. The best time to prune is during the active growing season in spring and summer, when the plant recovers and produces new growth most readily, though spent flower spikes and dead or damaged leaves can be removed at any time.
Tools and Preparation
Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning snips, sterilized with rubbing alcohol before and between cuts to prevent the spread of fungal or bacterial pathogens between plants or cuts. Handle the fleshy stems gently to avoid crushing or bruising the tissue, which can slow healing and invite disease.
Step-by-Step Pruning Guide
- Examine the clump for stems that have become long, bare, or leggy at the base, with most of the foliage clustered only near the growing tip.
- Using sterilized scissors, cut these stems back to just above a healthy node, or remove them entirely at the base if very little foliage remains.
- Trim off any yellowing, damaged, or spent leaves close to the stem to keep the plant tidy and reduce the risk of rot.
- Once flower spikes have finished blooming and begun to fade, cut them off at the base to redirect energy back into vegetative growth.
- Set aside any healthy stem sections removed during pruning, since these cuttings root readily and can be used for propagation rather than discarded.
Aftercare and Special Considerations
After pruning, return the plant to its usual bright, indirect light and warm, humid location, and maintain a normal watering routine, since Ludisia discolor recovers from light to moderate pruning quickly and without an extended stress period. Avoid removing more than a third of the clump’s growth at any one time to prevent excessive stress, and favor light, regular trimming over infrequent, drastic cutbacks. Regular grooming keeps the mat-forming growth habit dense and encourages the plant to branch and spread more fully over time.
Blooming
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid typically blooms in the winter months, from late fall through early spring, making it one of the few houseplants that reliably flowers during the darkest, coolest part of the year, a trait that has made it especially popular among growers looking for winter interest. The flower spikes emerge from the center of the newest growth and can reach several inches above the foliage, bearing a succession of small, delicate white flowers with a bright yellow throat, each blossom lasting only a few days but with the spike continuing to produce new buds over several weeks. Unlike many jewel orchids grown almost exclusively for foliage, Ludisia discolor’s flowers are considered an attractive bonus rather than an afterthought, and most growers allow the spikes to bloom fully rather than removing them, since flowering does not noticeably weaken the plant the way it can in more delicate jewel orchid relatives. Consistent bright indirect light, stable warmth, and a mature, well-established clump of stems all improve the likelihood and abundance of blooming, while younger divisions or stressed plants may skip a season without ill effect.
Pests and Diseases
Pests
Name: Mealybugs
Symptoms: Cottony white masses nestled at leaf axils and along stem nodes, often accompanied by sticky honeydew residue and weakened or discolored new growth.
Treatment: Dab visible clusters with a diluted rubbing alcohol solution on a cotton swab, then treat the plant with insecticidal soap, repeating every seven to ten days until the infestation is resolved.
Name: Spider Mites
Symptoms: Fine webbing between leaves, stippled or dulled discoloration on the foliage, and general decline, particularly in dry indoor air.
Treatment: Rinse the foliage gently with room-temperature water to dislodge mites, raise humidity and improve air circulation, and apply a mild miticide or insecticidal soap for persistent infestations.
Name: Fungus Gnats
Symptoms: Small, dark flying insects around the growing medium surface, a common issue given this species’ need for consistent moisture, with larvae occasionally feeding on fine roots.
Treatment: Use sticky traps to reduce the adult population, avoid overwatering beyond what is necessary, and let the very top layer of medium dry slightly between waterings to deter egg-laying.
Name: Scale Insects
Symptoms: Small, brown or tan, shell-like bumps along the stem and leaf undersides, accompanied by sticky residue and occasional yellowing of affected areas.
Treatment: Scrape off visible scale by hand where accessible using a soft cloth or cotton swab, and treat with a mild horticultural oil for widespread infestations.
Diseases
Name: Bacterial or Fungal Leaf Spot
Symptoms: Soft, dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves that can spread in overly humid, poorly ventilated conditions, sometimes accompanied by a foul odor.
Treatment: Remove affected leaves promptly with sterilized tools, improve air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering that leaves standing moisture on foliage, and apply a copper-based or orchid-safe fungicide if the problem persists or spreads.
Name: Stem and Root Rot
Symptoms: Blackened, mushy, or collapsing stem and root tissue, wilting or leaf drop despite otherwise adequate care, and a sour smell from the growing medium.
Treatment: Remove the plant from its medium, cut away all soft or discolored tissue using a sterilized blade, allow the remaining healthy tissue to dry briefly in a humid but airy spot, and replant in fresh, well-aerated medium, adjusting watering and drainage going forward.
Name: Crispy Leaf Edges from Low Humidity
Symptoms: Browning, curling, or crispy leaf margins, along with a noticeable dulling of the leaf’s vein coloration, most often affecting the newest or most exposed leaves first.
Treatment: Increase ambient humidity through grouping, a pebble tray, or a small humidifier, and verify that humidity is consistently maintained in the 50 to 70 percent range going forward.
Special Features
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid is prized for its striking dark foliage, deep blackish-brown to nearly black leaves with a soft, velvety sheen, traced with fine coppery-red to pink veining that gives the plant a jewel-like, almost iridescent quality under the right light. Unlike most jewel orchids, which demand extremely high humidity and terrarium conditions to thrive, Ludisia discolor is notably more adaptable to average home humidity levels, making it one of the more approachable entry points into the jewel orchid category for growers who do not keep a dedicated terrarium. Its low, creeping, mat-forming growth habit makes it an excellent groundcover option in mixed terrariums, paludariums, and shaded plant displays, and its reliable winter blooms of delicate white and yellow flowers add a welcome seasonal bonus rarely seen in foliage-focused jewel orchids, giving this species a rare combination of ornamental leaves and genuine, easy flowering.
Plant Benefits
Ludisia discolor has a documented history of use in traditional Chinese and Southeast Asian herbal medicine, where the whole plant has historically been used in folk preparations believed to have cooling, anti-inflammatory, or restorative properties, though none of these traditional applications have been validated through rigorous modern clinical research and the plant should not be considered a verified source of medicinal treatment. Some ethnobotanical and preliminary phytochemical studies have examined compounds present in Ludisia discolor, but this research remains largely academic and exploratory rather than applicable to home herbal use. For most contemporary growers, the primary appeal of this species lies in its ornamental and collectible value, its rich, dark foliage and reliable winter blooms, rather than any home health application, and the calming, meditative aspect of tending a slow-spreading, jewel-toned terrarium or shelf specimen.
Additional Information
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid belongs to the genus Ludisia, which contains only this single widely recognized species, setting it apart from larger jewel orchid genera like Macodes and Anoectochilus that include numerous similar-looking species. It is closely related to and often grown alongside other jewel orchid genera such as Macodes, Anoectochilus, and Dossinia, all of which share a general preference for shaded, humid conditions and are valued primarily for patterned or richly colored foliage, though Ludisia discolor is generally considered the easiest and most forgiving of this group. Several named cultivated varieties exist, most notably ‘Alba’ or ‘Dawsoniana’ types with lighter, more silvery vein patterns, giving collectors additional variety to seek out within the species. Because Ludisia is a fairly vigorous, easy-to-propagate plant compared to other jewel orchids, it is sometimes used as an entry-level groundcover in paludariums and bioactive vivariums, where its tolerance of moderate rather than extreme humidity allows it to be combined more flexibly with a wider range of enclosure setups than more demanding jewel orchid species.
Life Cycle
Black Velvet Jewel Orchid grows from a creeping, segmented rhizome that spreads horizontally across the surface of the growing medium, rooting readily at each node as it advances and sending up short, fleshy stems clothed in dark, velvety leaves. As the plant matures, multiple stems arise from the same root mass, gradually filling out into a dense, mounding clump rather than a single upright plant, a habit that distinguishes it from many other orchids and makes it especially well suited to use as a groundcover in terrariums or shaded garden beds in frost-free climates. Growth is continuous and relatively fast for a jewel orchid whenever warmth, humidity, and light are adequate, with new leaves and stem segments produced steadily through the spring, summer, and fall, while growth slows modestly in winter even as the plant channels energy into flowering. Individual stems can become leggy and sparse at the base over one to two years as the growing tip advances forward, at which point older sections are commonly trimmed away and used for propagation, keeping the clump compact and full. With consistent warmth, humidity, and gentle light, a healthy specimen can be maintained indefinitely, continually renewing itself through this creeping, self-layering growth habit and rewarding growers with an ever-expanding mat of jewel-toned foliage.
Are Black Velvet Jewel Orchid Poisonous, Toxic
Ludisia discolor is generally considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making it a relatively safe choice for households with curious pets or young children compared to many other popular houseplants, though as with most plant material, ingestion of larger quantities can occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals. Symptoms, if they occur, are typically limited to mild drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea resulting from the physical irritation of ingesting plant fiber rather than any significant toxic compound, and severe reactions are uncommon with this species. If a pet or child does experience digestive upset after chewing on or ingesting plant material, monitoring for resolution of symptoms is usually sufficient, though contacting a veterinarian or pediatrician is advisable if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning signs. Because this species is often grown on open shelves or in shallow, accessible containers rather than fully enclosed terrariums, it is good practice to place the plant out of easy reach of particularly curious pets and to discourage chewing on any houseplant material as a general precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Velvet Jewel Orchid toxic to pets?
No, Black Velvet Jewel Orchid is generally considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, though ingesting large amounts of plant material can occasionally cause mild digestive upset.
Does Ludisia discolor need a terrarium to survive?
No, unlike most jewel orchids, Ludisia discolor tolerates average home humidity fairly well and can grow successfully on an open shelf, though a terrarium or humidity tray will encourage lusher, more vividly colored growth.
How often should I water Black Velvet Jewel Orchid?
Water whenever the surface of the growing medium just begins to feel dry, keeping the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged, since this species does not tolerate prolonged drying out.
How much light does Ludisia discolor need?
It thrives in low to medium indirect light and tolerates shade better than most flowering houseplants, though direct sun should be avoided since it can scorch the leaves.
When does Black Velvet Jewel Orchid bloom?
It typically blooms in winter, from late fall through early spring, producing spikes of small white flowers with yellow throats, making it one of the few houseplants that flowers reliably during the coldest months.
How do I propagate Ludisia discolor?
The easiest and most reliable method is stem cuttings, taking a section with a few leaf nodes and rooting it in moist, warm, humid conditions, where it typically establishes within a few weeks.
What kind of soil does Black Velvet Jewel Orchid need?
It needs a loose, airy, moisture-retentive mix of fine orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite, with a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Why is my Ludisia discolor losing its vein coloration?
Dulling vein color is usually a sign of low humidity, insufficient light, or nutrient deficiency, all of which can cause the leaves to lose some of their normal richness and contrast.
Is Black Velvet Jewel Orchid easy to grow?
It is considered intermediate in difficulty, more forgiving than most other jewel orchids thanks to its tolerance of average home humidity, though it still requires consistent moisture and warmth.
Why does my Black Velvet Jewel Orchid have mushy, blackened stems?
Blackened, mushy stem tissue usually indicates stem or root rot from a waterlogged or poorly draining growing medium, so it is best to improve drainage and reduce watering frequency going forward.
Can I grow Black Velvet Jewel Orchid in my indoor space
Difficulty: Intermediate
Size: Small
Light: Low
Water: Medium
Flowering: Yes
Pet Safe: Yes
Air Purifier: Low
Ludisia discolor botanical details
Common Name: Black Velvet Jewel Orchid
Other Common Names: Jewel Orchid, Ludisia Orchid, Red Vein Jewel Orchid, Fairy Orchid, Velvet Orchid, Ludisia Discolor Orchid
Botanical Name: Ludisia discolor
Native Area: Tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and southern China, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of the Himalayan foothills, where it grows as a low, spreading groundcover on the shaded, humid forest floor and along stream banks
Family Name: Orchidaceae
Plant Type: Terrestrial evergreen perennial orchid (foliage orchid)
Genus: Ludisia
Kingdom: Plantae
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Plant Puns and Jokes
Why did the Black Velvet Jewel Orchid become such a hit at the houseplant party? Because it knew how to keep growing on people, one vein at a time!
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