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.

Build a terrarium with this plant

Care

Prefers high humidity, low light, with 4–30 °C, and reaches 20 cm at maturity.

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

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.

Native range

Native to Eastern Asia.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingRosette

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

Velvety

Frequently asked

Can Nishikiran Jewel Orchid grow in a closed terrarium?

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

Does Nishikiran Jewel Orchid need drainage?

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

What humidity does Nishikiran Jewel Orchid need?

Nishikiran Jewel Orchid does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Nishikiran Jewel Orchid pet-safe?

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

How tall does Nishikiran Jewel Orchid grow?

Nishikiran Jewel Orchid typically reaches 8–20 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Nishikiran Jewel Orchid?

Nishikiran Jewel Orchid can be propagated by rhizome division.

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