Labisia Jangkang
Plant Profile
Labisia sp. 'Jangkang' is an obligate terrestrial plant from the rainforest floor of Borneo, known for wide oval leaves stamped with a distinct turtle-shell pattern of neon veins. Planted strictly above the waterline at the base of spiderwood or wedged into soil pockets between dark stones, that geometric pattern cuts right through solid green carpets in emersed setups.Â
Key Features & Notes
- Deep oval foliage displays an intricate turtle-shell pattern highlighted by pale neon veins.
- Adds structural weight to shaded corners in terrariums and paludariums.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by clearing any loose packing media from the roots and rinsing the stem gently in clean water.
- Tuck the cutting or root base into an airy, chunky tropical substrate blend of perlite, tree fern fiber, and bark; leave enough space for its roots to anchor without compacting wet soil around the stem.
- Provide partial shade or moderate indirect lighting; direct light will scorch the detailed vein patterns and bleach the rich leaf color.
- Maintain humidity above 70% in enclosed setups and keep the substrate damp, ensuring excess water drains away freely so the roots never sit in stagnant mud.
- Trim older or damaged lower leaves near the main stem using clean shears to encourage fresh growth and maintain airflow around the base.
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Note that you will receive a live cutting with 2 to 4 leaves that will root and establish steadily under stable high humidity.
- Labisia species are terrestrial plants, and being submerged will result in the death of the plants.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Labisia sp. 'Jangkang' |
| Common Name(s) | Labisia Jangkang, Turtle Back Labisia |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Plant Type | Terrestrial Tropical Shrub / Foliage Accent |
| Care Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Light Requirement | Partial Shade / Moderate Indirect Light |
| Submersion Suitability | Emersed Only (Not for full submersion) |
| Placement / Usage | Midground, Background, Terrarium Floor, Paludarium Banks |
| Height / Size | Varies; 6"–14" (15–35 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Humidity Requirement | High (> 70% RH minimum) |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cuttings |
| Origin | Asia (Borneo) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Labisia sp. Jangkang grow submerged in an aquarium?
No. Labisia sp. Jangkang is strictly a terrestrial plant. Submerging it underwater will quickly rot the foliage and kill the plant.
2. Why are the leaf edges on my Labisia Jangkang turning brown?
Browning leaf edges usually indicate that ambient humidity has dropped below 70% or the plant is sitting in a dry draft. Keep it in an enclosed setup to maintain constant humidity.
3. How do you propagate Labisia sp. Jangkang?
Take a clean stem cutting containing 2 to 4 leaves and set the lower node into damp sphagnum moss inside a closed, humid setup until new roots establish.