Ludisia discolor 'Alba'

A cultivated pale-veined form of an Asian jewel orchid

Ludisia discolor ranges from southern China through Indochina and Malesia to the Philippines and Sumatra.

Shaded rainforest floors, leaf litter, humus and mossy rocks support the species. ‘Alba’ is a cultivated green, pale-veined form.

Shallow, airy care for Ludisia ‘Alba’

Grow Ludisia discolor ‘Alba’ in a shallow mix for terrestrial orchids, combining fine organic material with bark, perlite or pumice. Keep the medium evenly moist without saturating the creeping rhizome at the surface, and keep water out of the centres of new shoots.

Low to bright filtered light is suitable, but hot direct sun can damage the velvety leaves and very dim conditions weaken the shoots. Maintain warm stable temperatures. Moderate humidity works when watering is consistent; higher humidity must be paired with ventilation.

Feed weakly during active growth and flush accumulated salts. Repot or divide after flowering or when fresh shoots begin, while the roots are healthy.

Shoot decline, light damage and spent flower spikes

• Limp leaves above wet mix: Check the rhizome and roots for decay before watering.
• Long pale stems: Increase filtered light gradually.
• Bleached tan areas: Reduce excessive light or heat.
• One yellow lower leaf: This can be normal ageing. Several collapsing shoots indicate cold or root failure.
• Mealybugs at nodes or aphids on flower spikes: Move the plant away from others and treat the pest found.
• Spent flower spike: Remove the fading spike while retaining healthy shoots at the base.

Ludisia discolor 'Alba' is considered pet-safe

• This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs; its toxicity to humans has not been reliably established.
• No toxic substance or meaningful plant-based physical hazard is documented for this plant.
• A large amount of plant material may still cause stomach upset. Contact a veterinarian if pet symptoms persist, or a medical professional if a person becomes unwell.

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.