Labisia Turtle Back

🌱 Light

• Prefers low to medium indirect light — similar to a terrarium understory.

• Too much direct or bright light will bleach or burn leaves.

• Great for shaded spots or under grow lights at low intensity.

💧 Watering

• Keep substrate consistently moist but never soggy.

• Allow the top layer to dry slightly before watering again.

• Use soft water (rainwater or filtered) to prevent mineral buildup.

💨 Humidity

• Thrives in high humidity (70–90%) — essential for healthy leaves.

• Best kept in a terrarium, greenhouse cabinet, or covered container.

• Without high humidity, leaves can crisp or stop growing.

🌡 Temperature

• Ideal range: 70–82°F (21–28°C).

• Keep it away from cold drafts or temps below 65°F (18°C).

🪴 Substrate

• A loose, airy, and moisture-retentive mix:

  • Fine orchid bark + sphagnum moss + perlite + a little peat or leaf mold.

• Needs good aeration to prevent root rot.

🌱 Fertilizer

• Very light feeder — apply a mild, diluted (¼ strength) fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growth.

• Organic fertilizers like worm castings or a very weak fish emulsion can also work if well-diluted.

✂️ Maintenance

• Remove damaged or old leaves to encourage new growth.

• Avoid touching the delicate foliage excessively — the leaves bruise easily.

• Keep the crown slightly above the substrate to avoid rot.

🪰 Pests / Issues

• Common issues: fungus gnats, mealybugs, and spider mites (especially in dry air).

• Maintain airflow in terrarium setups, but not so much that humidity drops drastically.

• Treat pests early with gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil (very diluted).

🌿 Extra Tips

• This is a slow-growing plant. Patience is key — new leaves may take weeks to form.

• Best results come from a stable terrarium environment where humidity, moisture, and temperature don’t fluctuate.

• Provide diffused light, high humidity, and a soft substrate to mimic its native forest floor.