Gardening Plant Encyclopedia Houseplant Jewel Orchid By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on November 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Jewel Orchid Overview Description The maroon, almost black leaves of jewel orchid are the eye-catching attribute of this beautiful houseplant. Yes, it does flower, but the petite white flowers often take a backstage role to the bold, striped foliage. Jewel orchid has growing requirements similar to other plants in the orchid group, although jewel orchid grows best when its potting media does not dry out, making it an excellent plant for terrariums. It will add instant interest and quickly become a living focal point in any room, as long as it gets medium light. Genus Name Ludisia discolor Common Name Jewel Orchid Plant Type Houseplant Height 6 to 12 inches Width 1 to 1 foot Flower Color White Foliage Color Purple/Burgundy Season Features Spring Bloom, Winter Bloom Propagation Division Planting Companions for Jewel Orchid Thanks to its midnight-hue foliage, jewel orchid is particularly striking when paired with houseplants with the usual greenery. Trailing pothos and philodendron are two easy-to-grow companion plants. Pair it with other orchids in a warm, humid spot where it will break up the monotony of strappy green foliage with its deep magenta striped leaves. Jewel orchid's bold color gives it the ability to stand alone, too. Wherever you grow it, it will attract praise. Caring For Jewel Orchid Jewel orchid thrives in low to medium diffused light. Rooms with north- or east-facing windows are ideal. These easy-care plants are also tolerant of extremely low light. Avoid spots that get direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. Jewel orchid grows best when it receives even moisture throughout the year. Water plants when the soil is just barely dry to the touch. High humidity is also key to great growth. Create a humid growing environment by placing the orchid container on a tray of pebbles. Add water to just below the top of the pebbles so the orchid can drain freely. Fertilize jewel orchid every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 50 percent. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit