Ludisia discolor, commonly known as Jewel Orchid, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it thrives on the forest floor with high humidity and low light conditions. This orchid typically grows to a height of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters) and a width of 0.8-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters). Its most striking feature is the foliage, which is a velvety deep maroon with iridescent red veins running parallel to the center of the leaf, providing year-round visual interest. The white flowers, which appear in the fall and winter, are small but grow in clusters on upright stalks, with twisting yellow columns that add to their ornamental appeal. The flowers are quite showy in cultivation and can last a month or more.

Jewel Orchid is valued for its attractive foliage and long-lasting flowers. It is often used as a houseplant or in terrariums due to its low light requirements and ability to tolerate extremely low light levels. It is also popular in tropical-themed gardens. In cultivation, it requires conditions that mimic its natural habitat, including high humidity, warm temperatures, and low to medium light. It prefers part shade to full shade and soils with medium drainage, requiring medium to high amounts of water. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or if the soil does not drain well.CC BY-SA 4.0