🌿 Anoectochilus roxburghii ‘Red’ – Terrarium Care Sheet
Family: Orchidaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia (tropical forest floors)
Growth Habit: Terrestrial jewel orchid with creeping rhizomes
Foliage: Velvety dark leaves with glowing red-gold veins; prized for leaf pattern
Flowering: Small white to golden flowers on slender spikes, typically in warm seasons
✅ Ideal Terrarium Conditions
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–28 °C ideal; avoid below 15 °C |
| Humidity | 70–90%; thrives in stable, humid environments |
| Light | Low to medium (400–800 foot-candles); avoid direct sun |
| Airflow | Gentle, consistent airflow; no strong drafts |
| Terrarium Type | Best in closed or semi-closed tropical terrarium with high humidity and stable warmth |
🌱 Substrate & Planting
Best setup:
Planted in a shallow layer of moist sphagnum moss over a loose, airy base (fine orchid bark, perlite, leaf litter).
Alternative:
Well-draining tropical mix (sphagnum + perlite + fine bark + a little coco husk or pumice).
Keep substrate lightly moist, not waterlogged.
Avoid compact soils — roots need oxygen.
💧 Watering
Maintain evenly moist substrate; never let it dry completely.
Water 2–4× per week depending on ventilation and setup.
Use rain, RO, or distilled water — sensitive to minerals.
Mist lightly to maintain humidity but avoid soaking foliage.
🌬 Air Movement
Moderate airflow prevents fungal growth on leaves and roots.
Gentle fan circulation or a slightly propped terrarium lid works well.
Avoid cold drafts or direct airflow from fans or AC vents.
🌼 Flowering & Maintenance
Blooms sporadically through warm months on upright spikes.
Flowers are small but charming; foliage remains the main attraction.
Remove spent spikes and yellowed leaves promptly.
Can be divided once well established with multiple growths.
🧪 Feeding
Use dilute orchid fertilizer (¼ strength) every 3–4 weeks in growing season.
Flush with pure water occasionally to avoid salt accumulation.
Fertilize sparingly — Anoectochilus prefers low-nutrient conditions.
⚠️ Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf curl or crisp edges | Too much light / low humidity | Move to shadier, more humid spot |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering / poor drainage | Improve substrate aeration |
| Black spots / mold | Stagnant air or wet leaves | Increase ventilation |
| Weak or stunted growth | Low temps or heavy fertilizer | Warm up & reduce feeding |
✅ Terrarium Tips
Perfect for tropical forest or jewel orchid terrariums.
Looks stunning under LED grow lights with warm color spectrum.
Place near the base or mid-level of terrarium for stable humidity.
Companions: Macodes petola, Ludisia discolor, Goodyera spp.
🎯 Looking for a living gem that thrives in lush, humid setups?
A. roxburghii ‘Red’ is your go-to jewel orchid — glowing foliage, easy-going nature, and pure terrarium elegance!