The Goodyera is a miniature orchid valued primarily for its leaves as opposed to its blooms. The shimmer on the leaves and the vein-like veins on the leaves are a breathtaking feature of the jewel orchid. Other popular jewel orchid genera include the Macodes, Anoectochilus, Dossinia and the Ludisia. The clusters flowers are on long stems and are small in size with a white or greenish color. The velvety leaves attract many lovers of small orchids and leaf patterns. Goodyera species are found all over the world in tropical areas. They grow at the bottom of moist forests. Popular species include the Goodyera macrantha, Goodyera repens, Goodyera pubescens, Goodyera oblongifolia and the Goodyera hispida. In terms of care, they are quite easy when the plants are kept in high humidity with good air movement, the moss they are in is kept moist and the water is clean (preferably rainwater at room temperature). They are thus ideally suited as ground cover of a terrarium.
