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Description
Anoectochilus Roxburghii, also known as the Jewel Orchid, is a species of terrestrial orchid found in India, China, and Southeast Asia. It is a small herbaceous plant with dark green leaves that have striking silver veins. The plant produces small, delicate white to yellow flowers with a purple center. The flowers bloom in the fall and winter months, and the plant can grow up to 30 cm in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Anoectochilus |
Appearance
The leaves of Anoectochilus Roxburghii are its most distinctive feature. They are a glossy dark green with prominent silver veins that give them a metallic appearance. The plant produces small, delicate white to yellow flowers with a purple center that grow on a long stem. The flowers bloom in the fall and winter months and have a sweet fragrance. Anoectochilus Roxburghii can grow up to 30 cm in height and prefers to grow in moist, shaded areas.
Care Guide
Anoectochilus Roxburghii requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips to keep your Jewel Orchid healthy:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as sphagnum moss or peat moss.- Sunlight: Anoectochilus Roxburghii prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage the plant.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is not frost hardy and should be kept indoors in areas with cold winters.
Common Pests & Diseases
Anoectochilus Roxburghii is prone to a few pests and diseases:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can be found on the undersides of leaves and can cause leaf discoloration and webbing. Use a miticide to control an infestation.- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small pests that appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. Use an insecticidal soap to control an infestation.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing leaves. To prevent root rot, use well-draining soil and water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Habitat
Anoectochilus Roxburghii is native to India, China, and Southeast Asia. It grows in moist, shaded areas, such as the understory of forests.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Anoectochilus Roxburghii?
A: Water the plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: What kind of soil does Anoectochilus Roxburghii prefer?
A: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as sphagnum moss or peat moss.
Q: Can Anoectochilus Roxburghii tolerate direct sunlight?
A: No, this plant prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Q: What is the blooming season for Anoectochilus Roxburghii?
A: The plant produces small, delicate white to yellow flowers with a purple center that bloom in the fall and winter months.
Related Plants
– Anoectochilus chapaensis- Anoectochilus formosanus- Anoectochilus reinwardtii- Anoectochilus setaceus
References
– Flora of China. (n.d.). Anoectochilus Roxburghii. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242422753- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (n.d.). Anoectochilus Roxburghii. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:627273-1
