Dossinia marmorata

Queen of Jewel Orchids, Marbled Jewel Orchid, Jewel Orchid

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic10–30 cm

A rare terrestrial orchid endemic to the lowland forests of Borneo, grown almost entirely for its foliage rather than its flowers. Each leaf is a deep, velvety dark green — almost black — traced with a fine network of metallic gold or rose-gold veins that catch the light. It grows slowly along the forest floor in humid shade, making it well suited to a closed terrarium where steady warmth and high humidity can be maintained.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Queen of Jewel Orchids image

Photo by chipmunk_1·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

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

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

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

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 30°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Peat mossMoisture retentive

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Take a cutting with at least one node and one leaf. Plant in slightly moist sphagnum or a perlite-sphagnum mix, apply rooting hormone if available, and keep at high humidity. Growth is slow — expect several months before the cutting is established.

Native range

Native to Malesia.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingClumping

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

VelvetyGlossy

Frequently asked

Can Queen of Jewel Orchids grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Queen of Jewel Orchids prefers very high (above 80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Queen of Jewel Orchids need drainage?

Queen of Jewel Orchids prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Queen of Jewel Orchids need?

Queen of Jewel Orchids does best in very high (above 80%) humidity.

Is Queen of Jewel Orchids pet-safe?

Queen of Jewel Orchids is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Queen of Jewel Orchids grow?

Queen of Jewel Orchids typically reaches 10–30 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Queen of Jewel Orchids?

Queen of Jewel Orchids can be propagated by stem cuttings or division.

References

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    Rain Green Tropicals — Dossinia Culture Notes

    https://raingreentropicals.com/culture-dossinia.htm
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