I grow mine in a pot--but not in a terrarium and they do just fine, but I do have a humidifier in the winter. This is a copy of the care sheet I have:
Ludisia loo-DEE-see-ah
Terrestrial
Light: Low to medium
Temperature: Intermediate to warm
Flowering: Fall to winter
Care: Beginner to intermediate
Ludisias are the most popular of the "jewel orchids," a group of spreading, ground-dwelling plants. Most jewel orchids have spikes of small, white flowers in season, most often winter to spring, but it is for their beautiful foliage they are grown. The orchid with the gorgeous leaves was first described in 1818 and given the name Guodyem discolor. That particular specimen was mistakenly thought to have originated in Brazil. In fact the genus is from China and Southeast Asia, notably India, Burma, south China, Indochina to Malava, and the Malay Archipelago. The genus name ludisia was established in 1825 and later, in the same year, another botanist named it haemaria, the name by which it was known until the mistake was brought to light in 1970 through publication of the correction in the Kew Bulletin.
LUDISIA DISCOLOR (HAEMARIA DISCOLO): The only species in the genus, this is a low spreading plant with 2 to 3 inch velvety, maroon leaves that have contrasting metallic red or gold veins, more pronounced in the variety dawsoniana. The flowers are white with twisted yellow columns, measure about 3/4 inch across, and are held on an upright stalk.
Ludisias need higher humidity and warmer temperatures than most other orchids-they make superb terrarium plants. An aquarium with a glass top is ideal. To provide a balance between high humidity and air circulation, leave the top partially open; a 2 inch gap is about right. Use a well-drained, humus-rich medium, such as a commercial terrestrial orchid mix or a homemade mixture of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. The plants may be grown in pots within the terrarium or planted directly in its bottom. If you grow the plants in pots, surround them with moist peat or sphagnum moss to maintain the humidity. Ludisia grows best in temperatures between 75° and 85° F. If the plants refuse to grow, raise the temperature inside the terrarium by adding bottom heat, which will also increase the level of humidity.
Ludisias are surprisingly easy to propagate from cuttings of the stem, which may be broken into pieces having several nodes where leaves have grown. Lay these on moist sphagnum moss. It is also possible to root tip cuttings, which include several healthy leaves at the growing tip. Late winter or spring or when constant warmth and high humidity can be readily provided is the ideal time.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
The jewel orchids are unique in that they are grown for the beauty of their leaves, not for their flowers. They are superb plants for florescent light gardens and for growing in a terrarium that receives bright window light but never direct sun. They are also among the few plants that on average do better in less light rather than more.
Hope this helps!
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