Jewel Orchid (Anoectochilus roxburghii)

The Jewel Orchid Anoectochilus roxburghii is a diminutive terrestrial orchid native to the moist, shaded forest floors of Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. It features velvety dark green to nearly black leaves intricately veined with metallic gold, silver, or copper that sparkle beautifully in filtered light—earning its “jewel” moniker.

Features:

• Native Habitat: Grows on the shaded, humid forest floors of Southeast Asia—including China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and New Guinea—typically from 300 m up to 1600 m elevations.

• Foliage: Features broad, velvety ovate leaves—up to ~20 cm long—with striking metallic veins in gold, silver, or copper that shimmer in light.

• Growth Habit: Terrestrial with a creeping rhizome; leaves form rosettes near the soil line.

• Flowers: Produces a raceme of small, delicate, white to brownish-green flowers (sometimes slightly fragrant) in spring or rarely; they’re subtle compared to the foliage but can last 1–2 months.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers low to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

• Humidity: Requires high humidity levels, ideally above 60%, making it perfect for a terrarium.

• Temperature: Thrives in warm environments; temperatures between 18°C and 28°C (64°F–82°F) are ideal.

• Watering: Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged; use distilled or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup.