Ludisia


Ludisia is a genus of orchids that contains just one species, Ludisia discolor, commonly referred to as jewel orchid. They are native to Southern China, Northeast India, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Burma, and often cultivated.

Description

They are terrestrial orchids that in their natural setting would be found growing on the forest floor. They are known for their foliage, which is often velvety deep maroon with red veins that run parallel to the centre of the leaf.
Flowers are white with twisting yellow columns. Individual flowers are small but grow in clusters on upright stalks. Flowers in cultivation last a month or more.

Cultivation

They need high humidity and warm temperatures with low to medium light, and they tolerate extremely low light levels.

Cultivars

Ludisia discolor has two notable cultivars:
Hybrids of Ludisia with other orchid genera are placed in the following nothogenera:
Note that these hybrids are with other genera in the subtribe Goodyerinae, all commonly referred to as jewel orchids.