Goodyera schlechtendaliana 'Nishikiran'

Nishikiran Jewel Orchid, Brocade Orchid, Nishiki-ran

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic8–20 cm

A selected Japanese cultivar of Goodyera schlechtendaliana, grown specifically for its more uniformly prominent silver-cream net-veining on dark velvety leaves — the patterning that earned it the name 錦蘭 (Nishiki-ran), meaning brocade orchid. Where the wild species shows considerable variation in how heavily the leaves are marked, 'Nishikiran' maintains a consistently rich lattice of light veins across the dark leaf surface, resembling woven fabric when viewed up close. Like its parent species it is a cool-growing terrestrial orchid from the shaded forests of Japan, tolerant of temperatures well below those of tropical jewel orchids, and well suited to a cool, humid terrarium or a shaded indoor spot with good ambient moisture. Care requirements are identical to the wild type.

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Care

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

0°C20°C40°C
4°C – 30°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Orchid mixMoisture retentive

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingRosette

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

Velvety

Distribution

Propagation

Divide an established clump in early spring or autumn, ensuring each section retains a leading growing point and at least two to three joints of the rhizome with roots attached. Replant into fresh sphagnum or a humus-rich orchid mix and keep evenly moist in a cool, shaded, humid environment until new growth emerges. The creeping rhizome roots readily where it contacts moist substrate, making division the most reliable and least disruptive propagation method.

References

  1. 1

    POWO (Kew) — Goodyera schlechtendaliana Rchb.f. (accepted parent species; IPNI LSID: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:636203-1; 'Nishikiran' is a horticultural selection, not a formally described botanical variety; native range includes Japan, Korea, China, Himalayas, SE Asia, Sumatra)

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:636203-1
  2. 2

    Raingreen Tropicals — Culture of Goodyera (light 500–1,500 fc; humidity 70–80%+, minimum 50%; temperature genus range −1 to 30 °C; G. schlechtendaliana tolerates below −7 °C in Japanese mountain habitats; humus-rich well-draining substrate, pH 5.5–6.0; NOT iridescent; high ambient humidity with dryish roots; terrarium with airflow recommended)

    https://raingreentropicals.com/culture-goodyera.htm
  3. 3

    Botany Boy — Two Jewel Orchids from Southern Japan (G. schlechtendaliana in Japanese moist woodlands and conifer plantations from sea level to ~1,000 m; white net-veining varies from sparse to dense between individuals; survives ridge-top winter lows below −10 °C; grows best 25–30 °C; USDA zone 7b+ outdoors)

    https://botanyboy.org/two-jewel-orchids-from-southern-japan/
  4. 4

    Orchid Species (orchidspecies.com) — Goodyera schlechtendaliana (miniature terrestrial; altitude 1,000–3,000 m; leaves 2–5 cm × 1–3 cm, deep green with white cream-net veining; up to 8 leaves; white fragrant flowers all facing one direction; cool to warm growing)

    https://www.orchidspecies.com/goodschlechtendahl.htm
  5. 5

    Speak In Plants — Goodyera schlechtendaliana 'Nishikiran Japan' (confirming cultivar is G. schlechtendaliana; velvety dark green leaves with silvery variegation; jewel orchid for terrarium use)

    https://www.speakinplants.com/product-page/jewel-orchid-goodyera-schlechtendaliana-nishikiran-japan
  6. 6

    Araflora — Goodyera schlechtendaliana var. Nishikiran Japan (confirming cultivar listing; care overview: shade, high humidity, well-draining substrate)

    https://www.araflora.com/p5763/juwel_orchid_goodyera_schlechtendaliana_var_nishikiran_japan
  7. 7

    Orchideen-Wichmann (est. 1897) — Goodyera schlechtendaliana var. Nishikiran (specialist German orchid retailer; confirming cultivar identity and Japanese origin; horticultural selection for prominent silvery brocade veining)

    https://www.orchideen-wichmann.de/en/goodyera-schlechtendaliana-var-nishikiran.html
  8. 8

    Black Jungle Terrarium Supply — Goodyera schlechtendaliana (terrarium/vivarium suitability confirmed; low light; high humidity; cool temperature preference; creeping ground cover habit)

    https://www.blackjungleterrariumsupply.com/Goodyera-schlechtendaliana-JEWEL-ORCHID_p_2958.html
  9. 9

    Andy's Orchids — Goodyera schlechtendaliana (shade 500–1,500 footcandles; temperature 4 °C min / 35 °C max; tagged EasyGrower, Fragrant, Vivarium; 2–3×/week watering with slight drying between)

    https://andysorchids.com/pictureframe.asp?picid=8053
  10. 10

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

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