Labisia ‘Jabi’ – The Jewel Forest Undergrower
Labisia ‘Jabi’ is one of those rare, under-the-radar plants that instantly makes collectors lean in for a closer look. Its deep green, velvety foliage is marked with striking metallic veins, giving it the same high-end, jewel-plant allure as the popular Ardisia and Begonia species. This plant doesn’t shout for attention; it draws you in quietly, with richness, depth, and texture.
Native to the shaded forest floors of Southeast Asia, Labisia thrives in warm, humid, low-light environments where moisture and airflow work together to create perfect conditions for velvety foliage. Indoors, it rewards careful placement with luxurious leaves that look hand-painted.
Why You Need It
Labisia ‘Jabi’ brings a rare combination of subtlety and luxury. The foliage sits low and compact, with a velvet finish and delicate metallic veining that changes with the light. It has that “hidden gem” quality — the kind of plant visitors notice only when they get close, and then can’t stop staring at.
It’s a collector’s plant through and through: unusual, small-batch, and rarely available. If you love high-texture plants, moody tones, and pieces that feel special rather than showy, this one fits beautifully into any curated indoor jungle.
How It Grows
This plant grows as a compact, low rosette with leaves that emerge slim, soft, and beautifully veined. It prefers bright shade to dappled light and thrives in a warm, humid environment. A chunky, moisture-retentive mix works well, allowing the roots to stay lightly moist without sitting in heavy soil.
With good care, Labisia ‘Jabi’ forms a dense cluster of foliage and becomes increasingly dramatic as the leaves mature, deepening in colour and gaining more definition.
Care Summary
Light: Bright shade or soft indirect light
Water: Keep the soil lightly moist; avoid extremes
Humidity: High humidity preferred; stable conditions help
Temperature: Warm, steady environment
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Difficulty: Medium — thrives with consistency
Final Word
Labisia ‘Jabi’ is a quiet showpiece — compact, velvety, beautifully veined, and unlike anything else in a typical plant collection. It’s rare, elegant, and appears in small numbers, making each one feel like a genuine find. If you love moody foliage and unique textures, this is a plant worth taking home while it’s here.
Labisia 'Jabi' - 10.5cm/15-20cm
Light:
Prefers bright, indirect light. A well-lit spot near a window is ideal, but avoid intense, direct sun which can dry it out too quickly.
Water:
Soak the entire plant in rainwater or filtered water 1–2 times per week, depending on your home’s humidity. In warmer months or drier environments, it may need more frequent soaking. Mist occasionally between soaks if air is very dry. Always let it dry completely before watering again to prevent rot.
Humidity:
Loves humidity. This epiphyte thrives in moderate to high humidity environments. If your air is particularly dry, consider placing it near a humidifier or clustering with other plants to increase ambient moisture.
Airflow:
Good airflow is essential. Works well in a terrarium too!
Feeding:
Feed once a month with a diluted bromeliad or air plant fertiliser during the growing season (spring to early autumn). Mist or dip it in the fertiliser mix, then let it dry as usual.
Top Tip:
This plant doesn’t grow in soil – ever. Hang it, drape it, or wrap it on natural materials like driftwood, wire frames, or hanging hooks. Get creative and let it live wild.
