Of the three forms of ningmingensis, this one is the most challenging to grow. The leaves are drastically different in shape from the other two forms, dark and vietnam, more rounded, and a smaller overall size. Leaves only reach 2-3″ and show varying amounts of silver depending on growing conditions. It is similar in the growth habit, in that foliage will grow very close to the ground. It does not seem to thrive unless given regular fertilizer, such as MSU orchid. I had been growing it for years, and it never got more than a few leaves, then quickly started putting out new growth when additional fertilizer was applied regularly. It occurs in Southern China and Vietnam.
