Anoectochilus geniculatus Ridl.

Bent-lip Jewel Orchid, Jewel Orchid

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic8–15 cm

A small terrestrial orchid from the humid forests of Myanmar, Thailand, and the Malay Archipelago, where it creeps along the shaded forest floor at elevations between 600 and 1,100 metres. It is grown primarily for its foliage: dark greenish-brown, velvety oval leaves laced with a luminous network of gold and copper-red veins — the signature iridescent quality that gives jewel orchids their name. The species name geniculatus refers to the distinctively angled, knee-like base of the flower lip, which sets it apart from close relatives such as A. formosanus. In a closed terrarium, with stable warmth, high humidity, and low indirect light, it creeps readily across the substrate and gradually forms a low, bejewelled mat.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Bent-lip Jewel Orchid image

Photo by BioM_Akekachoke.B·CC BY-NC 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, low light, with 15–30 °C, and reaches 15 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 30°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Orchid mixMoisture retentive

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6

Propagation

As the plant matures it develops multiple crowns along the creeping rhizome. Carefully separate a rooted section with at least one healthy growing tip and replant into fresh sphagnum or a terrestrial orchid mix. Division is gentler than cuttings and provides an established root system from the start. Best done when the plant has visibly filled its container.

Native range

Native to Indo-China and Malesia.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingUpright

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

Velvety

Frequently asked

Can Bent-lip Jewel Orchid grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Bent-lip Jewel Orchid prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.

Does Bent-lip Jewel Orchid need drainage?

Bent-lip Jewel Orchid prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Bent-lip Jewel Orchid need?

Bent-lip Jewel Orchid does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Bent-lip Jewel Orchid pet-safe?

Bent-lip Jewel Orchid is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Bent-lip Jewel Orchid grow?

Bent-lip Jewel Orchid typically reaches 8–15 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Bent-lip Jewel Orchid?

Bent-lip Jewel Orchid can be propagated by rhizome division or stem cuttings.

References

  1. 1

    POWO (Kew) — Anoectochilus geniculatus Ridl. (accepted name; IPNI LSID: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:616576-1; family Orchidaceae; native distribution: Myanmar to W. Malesia — Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo; rhizomatous geophyte; wet tropical biome)

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:616576-1
  2. 2

    Orchid Species (orchidspecies.com) — Anoectochilus geniculatus Ridl. (miniature to small terrestrial; obliquely and broadly ovate to elliptic leaves; dark green-brown with gold to copper-reddish reticulated veins; 4 leaves on a short stem; inflorescence 14 cm, 1–5 flowers; white flowers with fringed lip; blooms fall/winter; altitude 600–1,100 m; Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo)

    https://www.orchidspecies.com/anoetgeniculatus.htm
  3. 3

    Raingreen Tropicals — Culture of Anoectochilus: Deep Forest Jewel Orchids (light ~500 fc; temperature tolerates 2–36 °C, best ~22 °C; humidity above 50% minimum; pH 5.5–6.0 fragmentary; well-drained humus substrate; water approx. weekly March–September, fortnightly October–February; high humidity with relatively dry roots; creeps and branches; suited to closed terrariums)

    https://raingreentropicals.com/culture-anoectochilus.htm
  4. 4

    Black Jungle Terrarium Supply — Anoectochilus geniculatus (listed as terrarium plant; velvety dark brownish-green leaves with gold veining; creeping growth; sold for closed terrarium / vivarium use; requires enclosed humid environment)

    https://www.blackjungleterrariumsupply.com/Anoectochilus-geniculatus-Jewel-Orchid_p_2626.html
  5. 5

    Botanico Hub — Anoectochilus geniculatus (preferred temperature 18–27 °C; low light; high humidity; moist well-drained substrate; moderate care difficulty; creeping terrestrial orchid; gold venation on dark leaves)

    https://www.botanicohub.com/plant-species/anoectochilus-geniculatus
  6. 6

    Andy's Orchids — Anoectochilus geniculatus (temperature: min 58 °F / 14 °C, max 88 °F / 31 °C; light: 500–1,500 fc; humidity: 70–80%; velvety leaves with gold-copper reticulate venation; miniature; terrarium suitable)

    https://andysorchids.com/pictureframe.asp?picid=7300
  7. 7

    ASPCA — Non-Toxic Plants: Jewel Orchid (Haemaria discolor; non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; family Orchidaceae — covers the jewel orchid group broadly including Anoectochilus)

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/jewel-orchid
  8. 8

    Terrarium Tribe — Jewel Orchid Care Guide (high humidity; low light; closed terrarium ideal; moist but well-aerated substrate; creeping growth suits terrarium floor)

    https://terrariumtribe.com/jewel-orchid-guide/
  9. 9

    GBIF — Anoectochilus geniculatus Ridl. (species distribution data; occurrence records across Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo)

    https://www.gbif.org/species/5308508