Ludisia discolor ‘Alba’

Where the species behind Ludisia discolor ‘Alba’ grows naturally

Ludisia discolor occurs naturally from southern China through mainland Southeast Asia to Sumatra and the Philippines. It grows on the forest floor as a terrestrial, creeping orchid among humus, leaf litter and mossy material.

Everyday care for Ludisia discolor ‘Alba’

• Growth: Let creeping stems spread across the pot so their nodes can root into the potting mix.
• Potting mix: Use a loose orchid mix with fine bark and organic material, suitable for orchids that grow in soil and leaf litter.
• Water: Water when the surface begins to dry while the mix below remains lightly moist.
• Light: Give low to medium indirect light.
• Temperature: Keep temperatures around 18–26 °C. Avoid prolonged temperatures below 15 °C. Keep the plant in consistently warm conditions.
• Humidity: Keep humidity around 60–80% with gentle airflow around the dense stems.
• Feeding: Apply a weak balanced orchid fertiliser while new leaves and stems are growing.
• Repotting: Repot when the creeping growth fills the pot or the old mix stays wet for much longer than it used to.
• Propagation: Root leafy stem sections as cuttings.

Leaf and stem problems in Ludisia discolor ‘Alba’

• Soft, dark stems: The stems may be staying too wet. Cut affected tissue back to firm healthy growth with a clean tool and discard all soft or rotten material. Place healthy sections in fresh, airy substrate.
• Crisp or curling leaves: The plant may be drying out at the roots or sitting in very dry, hot air. Water thoroughly and move it to a more humid position.
• Bleached patches: The leaves may be getting too much light. Move the orchid into gentler indirect light.
• Visible insects, sticky residue or fine webbing: Isolate the plant, identify the pest and use an orchid-safe treatment labelled for that pest at the stated repeat interval.

Ludisia discolor ‘Alba’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

About the name Ludisia discolor

Discolor is Latin for “of two colours” or “differently coloured”, referring to the contrasting tones associated with the species.

Achille Richard established the genus Ludisia in 1825 in Dictionnaire Classique d’Histoire Naturelle, volume 7, page 437.

John Bellenden Ker Gawler first described it as Goodyera discolor in 1818 in Botanical Register, volume 4, plate 271. Carl Ludwig Blume later placed it in Ludisia as Ludisia discolor in 1859 in Flora Javae, New Series, page 95.