50% OFF! Hot items selling fast—Grab them before they're gone!
Unconditional Satisfaction GuaranteeNo Shipping Fees Above 302 Months to Decide. Returns Simplified.Scaphochlamys scintillans Dark is a rare and collectable jewel ginger belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, native to the shaded tropical forests of Peninsular Malaysia. The genus Scaphochlamys is highly valued for its compact habit and iridescent foliage, and the Dark form is especially prized among collectors for its deeper, more dramatic leaf colouring.
The foliage is broad, oval, and velvety to the touch, displaying a striking metallic sheen. Unlike the brighter Ooi or other lighter forms, Dark features richer tones of deep green, bronze, and purple, often highlighted by shimmering silver veins that appear to glisten under light. The undersides of the leaves are typically flushed with burgundy, adding contrast when viewed from different angles.
Growing from underground rhizomes, Scaphochlamys scintillans Dark remains compact at 1525 cm tall, making it perfect for terrariums, vivariums, or as part of a jewel plant collection. In ideal conditions, it produces small, delicate basal flowers, usually pinkish to white, though these are secondary to the foliages jewel-like shimmer.
Prefers bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Too much direct sun will scorch the velvety foliage, while insufficient light may reduce its iridescent shimmer.
Keep the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. In winter, reduce watering when growth slows.
Temperature: Ideal range is 1826C. Keep above 15C at all times.
Humidity: Requires very high humidity (7090%). Best kept in a terrarium, greenhouse cabinet, or under a humidity dome for reliable success.
Use a light, airy, and moisture-retentive substrate: a mix of peat-free compost, fine orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss works best. Repot gently in spring as new shoots emerge.
Feed every 34 weeks during spring and summer with a diluted, balanced fertiliser. Avoid overfeeding, as the roots are delicate.
Remove any old, damaged, or yellowing leaves at the base. Growth arises seasonally from rhizomes, producing new shoots each year.
A slow-growing, compact jewel ginger that typically stays under 25 cm. With age, it forms small clumps of metallic foliage. Flowers appear near the soil surface but are secondary to the leaves.
Crisping or browning leaves: Usually caused by low humidity or direct sun.
Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Pests: Rare, but may attract thrips or spider mites in low-humidity conditions.
Scaphochlamys scintillans is part of a small group of jewel gingers renowned for their iridescent foliage. The Dark cultivar is especially desirable for its richer, jewel-toned palette that looks almost metallic. Best grown in stable, controlled environments, it rewards careful care with foliage that sparkles like living gemstones.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect or dappled shade
Water: Keep evenly moist; reduce in winter
Temperature: 1826C; never below 15C
Humidity: Very high (7090%); terrarium-friendly
Soil: Airy, moisture-retentive mix with bark, perlite, and moss
Feed: Every 34 weeks in growing season
Growth: Compact (1525 cm); deep green/purple foliage with silver shimmer; basal flowers at soil level
