Jewel Orchids

Jewel orchids are terrestrial orchids grown primarily for velvet-like foliage traced with silver, gold, copper or pink veins. Low creeping stems and compact rosettes bring intricate detail to terrariums, cabinets and specialist foliage displays.

Terrarium setup

Build the right terrarium base layer

Closed terrariums need a stable base that balances moisture, structure and hygiene before the planting layer goes in.

Shop Terrarium Base Mix Starter Open Terrarium Builder

Anoectochilus albolineatus close-up of leaf on white background.

Anoectochilus albolineatusSold out

Anoectochilus albolineatus 'White Center' leaf detail on white background.

Anoectochilus albolineatus ‘White Center’Sold out

Anoectochilus brevilabris close-up of leaf on white background.

Anoectochilus brevilabrisSold out

Anoectochilus burmannicus leaf detail on white background.

Anoectochilus burmannicusSold out

Anoectochilus lylei close-up of leaf on white background.

Anoectochilus lyleiSold out

Anoectochilus roxburghii x Ludisia discolor 'Spiderman' close-up of leaf on white background.

Anoectochilus roxburghii × Ludisia discolor ‘Spiderman’Sold out

Anoectochilus roxburghii 'Dreamcatcher' leaf close-up on white background.

Anoectochilus roxburghii ‘Dreamcatcher’Sold out

Anoectochilus roxburghii 'Gold Bar' leaf detail on white background.

Anoectochilus roxburghii ‘Gold Bar’Sold out

Anoectochilus sikkimensis leaf close-up on white background.

Anoectochilus sikkimensisSold out

Dossinia marmorata leaf close-up on white background.

Dossinia marmorataSold out

Goodyera malipoensis close-up of leaf on white background.

Goodyera malipoensisSold out

Ludisia discolor 'Alba' leaf close-up on white background.

Ludisia discolor 'Alba'Sold out

Macodes petola

€13,75

Aspidogyne argentea leaf close-up on white background.

Microchilus argenteusSold out

Orchidaceae

Jewel Orchids

Many jewel orchids kept indoors are terrestrial or litter-growing not epiphytic. That is why they are usually grown in finer, more moisture-retentive mixes than typical bark-grown orchids.

Botanical Profile

Many jewel orchids kept indoors are terrestrial or litter-growing not epiphytic. That is why they are usually grown in finer, more moisture-retentive mixes than typical bark-grown orchids.

Details & Care

Jewel orchids across creeping and upright genera

Jewel orchids are selected for patterned foliage rather than conventional orchid flowers. Anoectochilus, Macodes and Ludisia can all show luminous veins, but their growth differs: some creep and root along the stem, while others form upright shoots and a denser clump.

Choosing by scale and stem behaviour

Small creeping plants suit close viewing and need surface area to extend. Ludisia produces broader leaves and taller stems, creating a stronger vertical element. Compare mature spread, leaf size and the number of established stems when planning a mixed display.

Fine roots need an airy terrestrial substrate that remains evenly moist without becoming stagnant. The starter terrarium guide covers spacing and maintenance access, while the guide to humidity and airflow explains why enclosed moisture still needs ventilation. The houseplant substrate guide helps compare the fine terrestrial ingredients used around these roots.

Safety information varies by genus and species. Jewel orchids are ornamental plants, not edible foliage, and should be kept away from persistent chewers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jewel Orchids

What makes a jewel orchid different from most orchids?

Jewel orchids are usually grown for patterned foliage rather than for showy flowers. Many common indoor types are terrestrial creepers rather than bark-grown epiphytes, so they want a finer, evenly moist mix and more stable root moisture than many classic orchid houseplants.

Do jewel orchids need low light?

No. Most do best in medium to bright indirect light, not in a dark corner and not in hard sun. They cope with gentler light than many sun-loving orchids, but weak light usually leads to slower growth and a less compact habit.

Should jewel orchids grow in bark or potting mix?

Most common jewel orchids do better in a fine, airy terrestrial orchid mix or an open houseplant mix rather than chunky bark alone. Shallow, wider pots also suit their creeping growth better than deep orchid pots.

How should I water jewel orchids?

Keep the mix lightly and evenly moist. Water when roughly the top 10–20% of the mix has dried, then let excess water drain away. Do not let the whole pot stay dry for long, but do not keep it soggy or airless either.

Are jewel orchids safe around pets?

Commonly sold jewel orchids are generally treated as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but chewing can still damage the plant and may cause mild stomach upset. Keeping them out of reach is still the safer option.

Worth reading:

Hands placing a plant inside a glass jar terrarium with substrates and tools nearby

How to Build a Starter Terrarium: A Complete Guide

Houseplants grouped together near a humidifier indoors

Mastering Humidity for Healthier Houseplants

Water droplets on green houseplant leaves after misting

To Mist or Not to Mist? Misting Houseplants Pros & Cons

Experience you can count on

More than 20,000 customers, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Quality first

Plants are hand-selected and checked before shipping.

Reliable shipping

Safe packaging and tracked shipping from DE and NL.

Small business

Support a small, independent, women-led family business.

Row of various potted baby plants (starter plants) on a white background

Shop Baby Plants ➜

Our Customers

rate us with 4.6 out of 5 Stars

★★★★★

Die Pflanzen waren prima verpackt und ein heatpack war im Paket enthalten. Die Lieferzeit hat 2 bis 3 Tagen gedauert, was aus meiner Sicht wirklich gut ist. Alle drei Pflanzen haben die Lieferung gut überstanden. Ich habe mich auf Hoyas spezialisiert und habe schon die nächsten Pflanzen meiner Wunschliste auf der Website gefunden. Daher wird die nächste Bestellung nicht lange auf sich warten lassen.

Marion

★★★★★

The plants are carefully packaged and arrive in great conditions (I’m based in Spain) and they’re always there to help in any way they can with your purchase.I have and will always recommend Foliage Factory to every friend I can. I’m not only satisfied with their plants and prices, but their customer service is exceptional.

José

★★★★☆

Very healthy and well packed plant. Unfortunately there was one plant that ordered couldn’t be delivered as it was out of stock hence 1 star less.

Sam

★★★★☆

Die Sendung kam leider in keinem guten Zustand bei mir an, kann passieren. Habe mich darauf hin sofort an Foliage Factory gewandt und habe selten einen so guten, schnellen, freundlichen und kulanten Kundendienst erlebt.

Frauke

★★★★★

Everything arrived in good condition and very well packed - it wasn't easy with a fragile plant and a heavy bag of substrate. I recommend it!

Lia

★★★★★

Bester online-Pflanzenhandel den ich kenne (habe davor 4 andere ausprobiert). Eine teure Pflanze wurde beim Transport beschädigt und mir ersetzt. Der Kontakt dabei war auch sehr nett (danke Jan) und hat mir gut geholfen. Die anderen Pflanzen sind in einem sehr guten Zustand, keine Schädlinge, super Bewurzelung. Nur zu empfehlen! :)

C L

★★★★★

Super Service, Gute Auswahl, Preise sind fair. Eine Pflanze kam kaputt an, hab sofort Ersatz bekommen. Danke an den unkomplizierten (und blitzschnellen) Kundenservice!!

Sarah

★★★★★

Envoie très rapide (2 jours), plantes parfaitement emballées et super offres ! Je suis une habituelle j'ai passé 6 ou 7 commandes et je n'en peut être plus satisfaite du service client et de la qualité et variété des plantes offertes

Iris

★★★★★

The plants have arrived in perfect condition, the roots and the foliage so so healthy! I had problem with 1 plant out of 16 and they have responded to my email almost instantly and the issue was resolved straight away. I'm really impressed and satisfied, definitely getting more plants from them again!

Patricija

★★★★★

I received perfectly heathy and absolutely beautiful plants, even bigger than expected. The delivery within Europe was really fast. I think Foliage Factory has one of the best plant web shops in the internet. It‘s just great to get so much informations about the plants. I will definitely order again :)

Walkerova

Exclusive Offers

Limited discounts, extras, and bundle deals for subscribers.

Foliage Points

Get points with every order to redeem them for discounts.

Refer a Friend

Give your friends 10 € off and get 200 Foliage Points.

Newsletter Perk

Use your 10% code on plants when you're ready to order.