Ludisia discolor 'Alba' – Jewel Orchid with Silvery-Green Foliage

Ludisia discolor 'Alba' is a rare jewel orchid cultivar prized for its soft, silvery-green leaves and delicate white flowers. Unlike its darker sibling, this variety features velvety foliage in pale olive tones, crossed with fine silver veining that shimmers in natural light. The plant stays compact and spreads gently through creeping stems, making it ideal for terrariums, shaded shelves, or bright bathrooms. Its subtle glow, soft textures, and reliable bloom cycle make it a collector's favourite among jewel orchid lovers who want something beyond the usual dark forms.
Leaf Texture and Form of Ludisia 'Alba'
 
Leaf colour: Pale green to silver-olive with delicate, light veining
 
Surface: Velvety and slightly iridescent under bright, indirect light
 
Growth style: Creeping and low — forms small clumps and spreads slowly
 
Indoor size: Typically 10–20 cm tall, spreads 20–30 cm across
 
Flowers: Small, white, and orchid-like — appear on upright spikes
Botanical Origin and Habitat of Ludisia discolor
Ludisia discolor is native to Southeast Asia, including regions of Vietnam, Thailand, and southern China. It grows terrestrially in shaded, humid forest floors, thriving in loose, organic-rich substrates with high humidity and mild temperatures (18–26 °C). The 'Alba' cultivar is a selectively bred variation of the species, known for its lack of deep red pigmentation and more silvery foliage. It’s equally well adapted to indoor conditions with stable moisture, filtered light, and protection from cold air.
Ludisia discolor 'Alba' is non-toxic and safe to grow around pets and people.
How to Care for Ludisia discolor 'Alba'
 
Light: Bright but indirect light keeps foliage vibrant; avoid direct sun
 
Watering: Keep soil lightly moist; never let it fully dry out or become soggy
 
Humidity: Prefers 60–80%; great candidate for terrariums or pebble trays
 
Temperature: 18–26 °C is ideal; sensitive to cold drafts
 
Soil: Loose, airy orchid or epiphyte mix with fine bark and sphagnum moss
 
Repotting: Every 2 years or when stems begin to crowd the pot
 
Fertilising: Monthly feeding with orchid or diluted houseplant fertiliser
 
Propagation: Easy via stem cuttings or division — roots from nodes
 
Hydroponics: Not suitable — prefers organic, lightly moist substrates
 
Pruning: Trim leggy stems or old flower spikes to encourage compact growth
Common Issues with Ludisia discolor 'Alba'
 
Leaf curl or wilt: Can result from underwatering or low humidity
 
Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage
 
Rotting base: Happens if substrate stays too wet — use airy, fast-drying mix
 
Fungus gnats: Let top layer dry slightly and improve airflow
 
Mealybugs: May appear in crowded stems — remove manually and treat early
Extra Growing Notes for Ludisia 'Alba'
'Alba' prefers stable, moist, low-light environments — think forest floor conditions. It's particularly well-suited to terrariums or shaded corners with high humidity and warm air. With time, it will form a creeping mat of silver-toned foliage and send up small flowering spikes that bloom reliably once established. By mimicking its natural habitat — mild temperatures, damp air, and soft light — you’ll help this jewel orchid thrive for years.
Etymology and Botanical Naming of Ludisia discolor
Ludisia is named after Joachim Ludwig Schultes, a 19th-century botanist. The species name discolor means “two-coloured,” referring to the contrast between the leaf surface and undersides. The cultivar name 'Alba' highlights the pale, silvery-green foliage and absence of the typical reddish hues found in the standard form.
FAQs about Ludisia discolor 'Alba'
 
Does it bloom often? Yes — when mature, it sends up white flowering spikes once a year, usually in winter or spring.
 
Can I grow it in low light? Yes — but growth may slow; brighter indirect light supports denser foliage and blooming.
 
Is it pet safe? Yes — 'Alba' is non-toxic and safe around pets and children.
Buy Ludisia discolor 'Alba' Now
Delicate, rare, and compact — Ludisia discolor 'Alba' is the perfect jewel orchid for small spaces and soft light environments. Order now and add subtle shimmer to your plant collection.