Jewel orchids (Ludisia, Macodes, Anoectochilus): care

To care for a jewel orchid, place it in gentle light out of direct sun, keep its potting mix moist but never waterlogged using low-mineral water, maintain a temperature of 20 to 22 °C and high humidity, especially for Macodes and Anoectochilus.

The name jewel orchid does not refer to a single species but to a group of three main genera: Ludisia, Macodes and Anoectochilus. Unlike Phalaenopsis, these are terrestrial orchids: they grow on the floor of damp tropical forests, spreading by means of a fleshy stem called a rhizome. They are grown for their foliage, which looks embroidered with threads of gold, silver or copper.

If you're looking for care tips for a classic flowering orchid, our orchid care guide is a better fit; here, everything revolves around the leaves.

🌿 Why choose a jewel orchid?

Jewel orchids tick a rare box: they are orchids grown for their foliage all year round, rather than for a bloom that lasts a few weeks. Their velvety leaves, threaded with a network of luminous veins, catch the light like precious fabric.

The three genera also offer a natural progression for collectors: start with Ludisia, which is hardy and vigorous, then move on to Macodes and Anoectochilus, which are more delicate and make the jewels of a terrarium. Their small size makes them easy to accommodate, even in a modest apartment.

🔎 Jewel orchid facts

According to Plants of the World Online (POWO), Kew Gardens' botanical database, the genus Ludisia comprises just 2 species, including Ludisia discolor, native from southern China to Sumatra and the Philippines.

The genus Macodes comprises 11 species, and Macodes petola grows from the southernmost Nansei-shotō archipelago (Japan) to the Thai Peninsula and western and central Malesia (Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines). The genus Anoectochilus is the largest, with 51 species ranging from tropical and subtropical Asia to the Pacific.

All belong to the Orchidaceae family and the Goodyerinae subtribe, and POWO describes them as rhizomatous geophytes of the humid tropical biome. The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) classifies Ludisia discolor as H1a: to be grown under glass all year round, above 15 °C.

📋 Quick care guide

Essential growing guidelines, all at a glance.

📍 Where should you place a jewel orchid at home?

Place your jewel orchid in a warm, bright room, away from direct sunlight: in their native forest understory, these orchids live in the shade of trees. The RHS recommends a partially shaded spot, typically near a north-facing window.

The best location also depends on the genus: Ludisia does very well on a shelf or desk, while Macodes or Anoectochilus will benefit much more from a terrarium, display case or bright bathroom.

☀️ Light: Gentle, indirect light; direct sunlight will fade and burn the velvety leaves.

🌡️ Warmth: 20 to 22 °C according to the SNHF (Société nationale d'horticulture de France), which sets the minimum at 18 °C; keep away from drafts and radiators.

💦 Humidity: A heated home often has humidity of around 30 to 40% (see our guide to increasing humidity): enough for Ludisia, too dry for Macodes.

🪴 What pot and potting mix should you use for a jewel orchid?

A jewel orchid should not be grown in bark alone like a Phalaenopsis: it is a terrestrial orchid whose roots like to stay moist.

The SNHF recommends a mix of 60% fine pine bark, 30% horticultural potting soil and 10% charcoal, while the RHS suggests houseplant potting soil or medium-grade bark with a little sphagnum moss. Choose a wide, shallow pot, as the rhizome spreads across the surface rather than growing deep.

Repot in spring, when the mix has compacted or the plant is growing beyond the pot.

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✂️ Everyday care: watering, humidity and fertilizer

Caring for a jewel orchid is all about balance: the potting mix should never stay dry for long, but it should never be waterlogged either. According to NC State Extension, waterlogged potting mix quickly causes roots and stems to rot. Air humidity is the other key, especially for the more delicate genera.

💧 Watering: Water when the surface dries, at the base of the plant, without wetting the velvety leaves; empty the saucer.

💧 Water: Use room-temperature rainwater, demineralized water or filtered water; limescale leaves marks on the leaves and potting mix.

💧 Humidity: Aim for 75 to 80% for Macodes and Anoectochilus (terrarium or display case); group plants together for Ludisia.

🌱 Fertilizer: Half-strength orchid fertilizer, every other watering from spring to the end of summer.

🧹 Cleaning: Remove damaged leaves and gently dust with a brush rather than a damp cloth.

🍂 Jewel orchids through the seasons

Jewel orchids do not have a true dormant period, but their growth slows as the light fades. From spring through summer, they produce new leaves: this is the time to repot, take cuttings and feed.

The upright spike of 20 to 30 small white flowers lasts 2 to 3 weeks; the SNHF places flowering in spring or early summer, though the timing varies with growing conditions. In winter, space out waterings a little, stop fertilizing and watch out for dry air from the heating.

📅 Seasonal care calendar

🌱 How do you propagate a jewel orchid?

Jewel orchids are very easy to propagate from cuttings because their fleshy stems produce roots at each node. The RHS recommends laying stem sections on moist sphagnum moss until roots appear, after about 6 weeks, then potting them in a standard mix after 6 months.

Cut a section with 2 to 3 nodes, let the cut end dry for a few hours, then lay it on live sphagnum moss in a closed container. The SNHF notes that a glass of water also works for Ludisia. Dividing the clump when repotting is still the safest method.

🐛 Common problems: causes and solutions

Jewel orchids show what they need through their leaves and stems. Here are the most common problems, according to the RHS and NC State Extension, and how to fix them.

🌸 Our jewel orchid varieties

Here are the jewel orchids we offer, listed from easiest to most demanding; each name links to the plant in our store, and you can find the whole family in our orchid collection.

🎨 Which plants pair well with a jewel orchid?

In a terrarium, jewel orchids pair well with plants that enjoy the same humidity and gentle light. Mosses, small ferns and Fittonia, which also thrives in high humidity, create a cohesive woodland scene; our guide to terrariums and humidity explains how to manage condensation.

On a shelf, a Ludisia makes a lovely companion for a Calathea makoyana: both prefer bright shade and humid air.

⚠️ Are jewel orchids toxic to cats and dogs?

No, not Ludisia: the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) lists the jewel orchid (under its former name, Haemaria discolor) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and NC State Extension says the same of Ludisia discolor.

However, we found no published data on the toxicity of Macodes or Anoectochilus. As a precaution, keep them out of reach of pets and young children; a closed terrarium takes care of that, too.

✅ Our expert tips for success

Success with a jewel orchid mostly comes down to choosing the right genus for your home. Start with Ludisia discolor if you're a beginner: it tolerates average indoor humidity and the occasional missed watering. Save Macodes and Anoectochilus for a terrarium or display case, where humidity stays stable. In every case, remember the three rules: gentle light, a moist but well-drained substrate, and low-mineral water.

And to explore the world of plant collectors further, check out our guide to rare houseplants.