Labisia 'Jabi' – tropical ground cover plant with velvety leaves and silver veins

General description

Labisia 'Jabi' is a tropical ground cover plant, native to the Jambi region (Sumatra), appreciated for its lanceolate leaves, with a velvety texture and a light central vein, from cream to silver, highlighted by dark green edges. The leaves form compact rosettes, and the plant has a low, slightly spreading habit, making it ideal for terrariums, plant showcases, or shady but bright corners of the house.

Due to its small size and decorative foliage, Labisia 'Jabi' is a very suitable choice for rare plant enthusiasts who want a discreet but special accent in a collection of indoor plants with higher humidity requirements.

Characteristics

• A tropical understory plant, with low growth and compact habit.
• Lanceolate, velvety leaves, with a light central vein and dark green edges.
• It does not grow very tall, making it suitable for small spaces, terrariums, and plant showcases.
• Pronounced decorative appearance due to the contrast between the light vein and the rest leaf.

Care

• Light: medium to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight, which can discolor or burn the leaves.
• Watering: the substrate is constantly kept slightly moist, but not soaked; avoid both complete drying and excess water.
• Substrate: well-drained and slightly acidic, of the type of mixture for tropical plants (for example fibrous peat with perlite and the addition of aeration materials).
• Temperature: prefers warm temperatures, approximately 20–28 °C, without cold drafts or sudden variations.
• Humidity: develops best at moderate–high ambient humidity; beneficial a humidifier, terrarium or grouping with other plants.
• Fertilization: during the growing season a diluted liquid fertilizer for foliage plants can be administered occasionally.