Labisia sp. ‘Jabi’

Labisia sp. ‘Jabi’ is an evergreen tropical understory plant belonging to the genus Labisia (family Primulaceae), native to Jambi in Sumatra, Indonesia. This species forms compact rosettes of lanceolate leaves with a characteristic velvet texture and striking variegation: a central pale to silvery midrib often bordered by dark green margins and sometimes overlaid with bronze or reddish hues as new leaves emerge.Its growth habit is generally low and spreading, making it well-suited to container or terrarium culture.

Native to:
Understorey of tropical forests in Jambi region, Sumatra, Indonesia. Grows in humid, shaded, montane or lowland forest floors. Leaves emerge bronze-red, then mature to green with a pale midrib and dark green margins.

Water:
Keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top third of the substrate dries. Overwatering leads to yellowing leaves; underwatering can cause leaf curl. Use a free-draining mix containing peat or orchid bark to balance moisture and aeration.

Light:
Prefers bright filtered light or light shade. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves and fade the variegation. Ideal positioning is near an east- or north-facing window in the UK.

Humidity:
Requires high humidity (60%+), ideally around 7090%.

Temperature:
Thrives in a warm indoor range of 1827C. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 15C. Protect it from cold drafts or unheated rooms