Cystorchis stenoglossa Schltr.

Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic8–18 cm

A rare jewel orchid from the rainforests of northern Sumatra, grown primarily for its velvety, dark brownish-green foliage rather than its flowers. In the wild it creeps through the forest floor at 670–1000 m elevation, rooting into deep organic litter beneath the canopy — conditions a closed terrarium replicates well. Leaves carry a fine network of lighter veins that catch the light subtly, a characteristic shared across the jewel orchid group (Goodyerinae). Flowers are tiny (around 4 mm), cream and green, and appear on a short erect spike in autumn.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid image

Photo by Jacek Dabkiewicz·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, low light, with 15–28 °C, and reaches 18 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

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

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 28°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Peat mossMoisture retentive

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Cut a stem section just below a node using sterile tools. Place in damp sphagnum moss or water and keep in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. Patience is key — rooting can take several weeks.

Native range

Native to Malesia.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingClumping

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

Velvety

Frequently asked

Can Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid grow in a closed terrarium?

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

Does Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid need drainage?

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

What humidity does Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid need?

Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid pet-safe?

Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid grow?

Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid typically reaches 8–18 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid?

Thin-lipped Jewel Orchid can be propagated by stem cuttings or rhizome division.

References

  1. 1

    Black Jungle Terrarium Supply — Cystorchis variegata (genus care reference)

    https://www.blackjungleterrariumsupply.com/Cystorchis-variegata-Jewel-Orchid_p_2630.html
  2. 2

    Dart Frog Connection — Cystorchis variegata (genus care reference)

    https://dartfrogconnection.com/cyschortis-variegata.html
  3. 3

    NE Herpetoculture — Live Jewel Orchids For Terrariums & Vivariums

    https://www.neherpetoculture.com/jewelorchids
  4. 4

    Orchid Bliss — Jewel Orchid Care: The Complete Guide

    https://orchidbliss.com/jewel-orchid-care-the-complete-guide/
  5. 5
  6. 6

    GBIF — Cystorchis stenoglossa Schltr.

    https://www.gbif.org/species/2795592
  7. 7

    CITES — Cystorchis stenoglossa (Appendix II)

    https://cites.org/eng/taxonomy/term/19811
  8. 8

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Cystorchis stenoglossa Schltr.

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:626490-1
  9. 9

    OrchidSpecies.com (IOSPE) — Cystorchis stenoglossa

    http://www.orchidspecies.com/cystostenoglossa.htm
  10. 10
  11. 11

    Orchids.org — Cystorchis stenoglossa species page

    https://www.orchids.org/grexes/cystorchis-stenoglossa
  12. 12

    Begin With Plants — Cystorchis stenoglossa product listing

    https://beginwithplants.com/products/cystorchis-stenoglossa
  13. 13

    In Search of Small Things Shop — Cystorchis stenoglossa

    https://store.insearchofsmallthingsshop.com/product/cystorchis-stenoglossa/
  14. 14

    Orchideeen-shop.nl — Cystorchis stenoglossa

    https://orchideeen-shop.nl/en/products/cystorchis-stenoglossa
  15. 15

    Orchids-shop.com — Cystorchis stenoglossa

    https://orchids-shop.com/products/cystorchis-stenoglossa
  16. 16

    La Foresta Orchids — Jewel Orchid: Cystorchis stenoglossa

    https://www.laforestaorchids.com/products/jewel-orchid-cystorchis-stenoglossa