Labisia obtusifolia ‘Kura Kura’ is an unusual tropical houseplant prized for its beautifully textured foliage, with striking patterns and contrasting shades of green. Its compact growth and love of warm, humid conditions make it particularly well suited to terrariums, plant cabinets and collections of unusual foliage plants.
Scientific Name
Labisia obtusifolia ‘Kura Kura’
Common Name(s)
Turtle Back Plant, Kura Kura Plant, Labisia ‘Kura Kura’
Origin
Native to tropical Southeast Asia, where Labisia species grow in warm, humid forest environments.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid strong direct sunlight, which can scorch or fade the foliage. It can tolerate slightly lower light levels but may grow more slowly.
Water
Keep the soil lightly and consistently moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely, but do not allow it to sit in water as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity
Prefers high humidity and will thrive in a terrarium or plant cabinet. Aim for humidity levels of around 60% or higher where possible.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining soil mix that retains some moisture. A good-quality houseplant mix with added perlite and fine orchid bark works well.
Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C.
Pet-safe
There is limited reliable information regarding the toxicity of Labisia obtusifolia. We recommend keeping it out of reach of pets and children as a precaution.
Sprouts Top Tips
‘Kura Kura’ particularly enjoys warm, humid conditions, making it a great choice for a terrarium or plant cabinet. Keep the soil lightly moist but ensure the growing medium remains airy and well-draining.
Extras
A compact, relatively slow-growing plant, ‘Kura Kura’ is grown primarily for its unusual textured and patterned foliage. Its smaller size makes it particularly useful for enclosed tropical displays.
Did You Know?
Labisia belongs to the Primulaceae family and naturally grows beneath the tropical forest canopy, which explains its preference for gentle light, warmth and high humidity.
