Dischidia plants are unique epiphytic or semi-epiphytic additions to indoor plant collections. These fascinating plants naturally grow on other plants or structures rather than in soil, often found clinging to tree trunks or branches in their native tropical Asian and Australian habitats. Commonly cultivated as houseplants, frequently displayed in hanging baskets or mounted to mimic their natural growth, their straightforward care contributes to their popularity.
Popular Dischidia Varieties
The Dischidia genus offers a diverse array of species, each with distinct visual characteristics. Dischidia nummularia, or Button Orchid/String of Nickels, features small, thick, coin-shaped leaves that cascade, creating a dense, trailing display. These leaves can be green or variegated.
Dischidia ovata, known as Watermelon Dischidia, has ovate, egg-shaped leaves with a striking pattern resembling a watermelon rind, showcasing deep green with white or silver venation. Brighter light can induce a reddish tinge.
Dischidia ruscifolia, commonly called Million Hearts, produces numerous tiny, heart-shaped leaves densely arranged along its trailing stems, ideal for hanging displays. Its small, white flowers are often fragrant.
Dischidia pectinoides, known as the Ant Plant or Dragon Jade, stands out with its unique, thick leaves. Some leaves are modified into hollow, pouch-like structures that shelter ants in their natural environment, forming a symbiotic relationship where ants contribute nutrients and protection.
Dischidia Plant Care
Light
Dischidia plants thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking the filtered sunlight of their native habitats. Place them near a sunny window, avoiding intense midday sun that can scorch leaves. While some tolerate morning or late afternoon direct sun, ensure adequate watering. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth, while excessive direct light causes discoloration or burning.
Watering
Dischidia plants are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Allow the top layer of the potting medium to dry out before watering. As epiphytes, they do not tolerate soggy conditions, which cause root rot. Water thoroughly until drainage occurs, then ensure no standing water remains. Reduce watering in winter or during slower growth.
Soil and Potting
Dischidia plants need a well-draining, airy potting mix, like one containing orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, to mimic their natural environment. Avoid dense, soil-based mixes that retain too much moisture and cause root rot. Use containers with drainage holes. Repotting is infrequent, typically every one to three years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Dischidia plants prefer warm, consistent temperatures, ideally 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect them from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can cause stress. High humidity (50-80%) is beneficial. Increase humidity by grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Avoid windy locations, as drafts dry out plants.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Dischidia plants during their active growing season, typically in spring and summer. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month, or use a slow-release fertilizer. Reduce or cease fertilization in winter when growth slows. Adhere to recommended dilution rates to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Propagating Dischidia
Propagating Dischidia is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least a few nodes, which are the points where leaves and roots emerge. Remove leaves from the bottom portion to expose the nodes. Applying a rooting hormone is optional but can enhance success.
Cuttings can root in water or a suitable propagation medium. If rooting in water, submerge the nodes and change the water regularly. For rooting in a medium, an airy mix like sphagnum moss or a perlite and peat blend is ideal. Insert the cutting into the moist medium, ensuring nodes are buried.
Maintain high humidity around the cuttings, perhaps by covering them, and keep them in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new plant can be transitioned to its permanent potting setup.
Common Dischidia Problems
Dischidia plants, while generally easy to care for, can encounter a few common issues. Root rot is a frequent problem, primarily caused by overwatering and persistently soggy soil. Symptoms include mushy stems and yellowing or wilting leaves. Address this by improving drainage, reducing watering frequency, or repotting into fresh, well-draining medium if severe.
Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally affect Dischidia plants. Identify these small insects by their presence on leaves and stems, sometimes with webbing. For minor infestations, manually remove them with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol-dipped cotton swab. For widespread issues, apply insecticidal soap.
Leaf discoloration or dropping can signal various underlying problems. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Browning leaves can result from underwatering, low humidity, or excessive direct sunlight. Address these symptoms by adjusting watering, humidity, light, or considering a balanced fertilizer if deficiency is suspected.