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The plant forms low, clumping rosettes of ovate to lance-shaped leaves with a leathery texture. Foliage is typically deep green with striking venation in silver or light green, sometimes showing a subtle iridescent sheen under the light. The undersides are often flushed with reddish or purplish tones, adding depth and colour contrast.
Unlike many large tropical ornamentals, Labisia japonica remains small, generally reaching only 1020 cm tall, making it perfect for small pots, terrariums, and display cases where its jewel-like foliage can be admired up close.
Prefers bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate foliage. It thrives in terrarium conditions under grow lights.
Keep the substrate consistently moist but never soggy. Water when the top layer feels just slightly dry. Use rainwater, distilled, or filtered water if possible, as Labisia can be sensitive to mineral build-up.
Temperature: Thrives in 2026C. Avoid prolonged cold below 16C.
Humidity: Requires high humidity (7090%). Best suited to terrariums, greenhouse cabinets, or enclosed displays.
Use a light, airy, and moisture-retentive substrate a blend of sphagnum moss, fine orchid bark, perlite, and peat-free compost works well. Shallow pots are ideal for its compact root system.
Feed sparingly every 46 weeks during spring and summer with a very diluted balanced fertiliser. Overfeeding can damage delicate roots.
Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves at the base. Growth is naturally slow and compact, so little pruning is required.
A slow-growing plant that generally stays under 20 cm in height. With stable humidity and warmth, it will steadily produce new leaves from its rosette.
Crisping edges: Low humidity or underwatering.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or hard water.
Weak growth: Insufficient light or nutrients.
Pests: Rare in terrariums but may be susceptible to thrips or spider mites in open air.
Labisia japonica is part of the jewel plant group compact species admired for their unique and iridescent foliage. Its rarity in cultivation and preference for terrarium-like conditions make it a prized specimen for collectors of unusual tropical plants.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect or shaded; excellent for terrariums
Water: Keep moist but not soggy; use soft water
Temperature: 2026C; avoid below 16C
Humidity: Very high (7090%)
Soil: Light, moisture-retentive mix with moss and bark
Feed: Very diluted fertiliser every 46 weeks in growing season
Growth: Compact rosette, 1020 cm tall; deep green leaves with silver venation and purplish undersides
