Jewel Orchid Plant Care
Porphyroglottis maxwelliae Ridl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking purple and white speckled leaves, this rare plant originally hails from New Zealand's forests. Plant collectors are drawn to Porphyroglottis maxwelliae for its unique foliage and its ability to thrive in low light conditions, making it a sought-after addition to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Jewel Orchid?
Water Jewel Orchid every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Jewel Orchid?
Jewel Orchid (Porphyroglottis maxwelliae) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Porphyroglottis genus. Jewel Orchid is native to Borneo, Malaysia and Sumatra. Jewel Orchid is also known as Maxwell's Porphyroglottis.
Jewel Orchid displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Jewel Orchid produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Jewel Orchid?
Porphyroglottis maxwelliae requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Jewel Orchid Need?
Jewel Orchid thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Jewel Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to dappled sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Jewel Orchid Prefer?
Porphyroglottis maxwelliae grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Jewel Orchid prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Jewel Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Jewel Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Jewel Orchid?
Feed Jewel Orchid every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Jewel Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Jewel Orchid?
Jewel Orchid can be propagated through division, keiki propagation.
Is the Jewel Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Jewel Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Jewel Orchid?
Jewel Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Jewel Orchid Need?
Jewel Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Jewel Orchid is native to Borneo, Malaysia and Sumatra. In cooler regions, grow Jewel Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Jewel Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Porphyroglottis genus — compare its care with other Porphyroglottis species on PlantoScan.
Porphyroglottis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Jewel Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Porphyroglottis maxwelliae Ridl., family Orchidaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 31: 290 (1896)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Jewel Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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