Goodyera schlechtendaliana, commonly known as the Jewel Orchid, is a terrestrial orchid native to the understory of temperate and subtropical humid forests in East Asia, including Korea, Japan, and parts of China. It is an evergreen perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). The plant is notable for its rosette of dark green leaves with striking silver or white venation, which provides year-round visual interest. The small white flowers, which bloom in the summer, are arranged on a spike and are not particularly showy, but they add a delicate charm to the plant’s overall appearance.

The Jewel Orchid is valued for its ornamental foliage rather than its flowers, making it a popular choice for shaded indoor gardens, terrariums, and as a ground cover in humid, shaded outdoor areas. It requires consistent moisture but well-drained soil to prevent root rot, and thrives in part to full shade conditions. While it is not drought-tolerant, it can be relatively easy to maintain with the right environmental conditions. In cultivation, it is important to mimic its natural habitat by providing high humidity and avoiding direct sunlight.CC BY-SA 4.0