Labisia sp. 'Pink vein'

Origin and identity of Labisia sp. 'Pink vein'

The exact species of Labisia sp. 'Pink vein' remains unconfirmed, and its wild origin is unknown.

The plant belongs to the tropical Asian genus Labisia, which includes many low-growing forest plants from humid, shaded habitats.

Care for Labisia sp. 'Pink vein'

Give the dark foliage filtered light, keep the plant warm and humid, and keep the mix evenly moist.

• New leaves and humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity with gentle air movement, especially while a fresh leaf is opening.
• Watering: Water as the surface begins to dry while the mix beneath still feels lightly damp. Let excess water drain freely.
• Light: Give bright shade or filtered light.
• Substrate: Use a fine, humus-rich mix with bark, pumice or similar coarse material so it remains loose around the roots.
• Temperature: Keep conditions warm and stable through the year.
• Repotting: Repot when roots fill the container or the mix begins to compact. Move the plant into a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
• Feeding: Apply weak fertiliser while fresh leaves are developing and flush the pot if mineral residue collects.
• Propagation: Separate a basal shoot once it has developed its own roots.

Common issues with Labisia sp. 'Pink vein'

• A new leaf opens with creases: The plant may have dried too much while the leaf was forming. Restore even watering and humidity, and keep conditions steady as the next leaf opens.
• Exposed leaves develop pale patches or lose colour: The foliage has received too much direct light. Move the plant into filtered light.
• Leaf edges become dry and brown: The mix has dried too far or the air around the foliage has become very dry. Rehydrate the mix evenly and raise humidity if the air is dry.
• Leaves turn yellow and soft while the mix stays wet: Dense wet mix may be stressing the roots or starting rot. Inspect the roots, cut rot back to firm healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rotten material and repot into fresh airy mix.

Keep Labisia sp. ‘Pink vein’ away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

The meaning and history of Labisia

Labisia comes from Greek labis, “spoon”, referring to the spoon-like lobes of the flower.

John Lindley established the genus Labisia in 1845 in Edwards’s Botanical Register, volume 31, plate 48.