Dischidia - Care tips

Dischidia

Dischidia is a genus from the Apocynaceae family. This beauty is a tropical one, native to China, India and Indo-China. The fun thing about this girl is that she’s growing on other plants: she’s an epiphyte! But even cooler: if you like the Hoya family, then this beauty is made for you, because Dischidia is the sister genus of Hoya. The only difference is that we rarely hear about the Dischidia family. How sad? This genus is an incredible one. Did you know that they can develop a symbiotic relationship with other plants? Dischidia can grow modified leaves to either provide housing or storage. For example, three species develop bullate leaves which are hollow root-filled structures. With time, the bullate leaves' margins curl under to close a gap which creates small holes. Other species grow imbricate leaves, and are called “Shingle Plants” due to the appearance of shingles on a roof created by the leaves that tend to overlap the surface. Such a magician, right? Did we tickle your curiosity? Then continue to read to find out more about the Dischidia genus.

Dischidia plant care tips

Light and placement for Dischidia

The Dischidia lives in the tropical underforest and is used to humid and well-ventilated locations. She would love to be exposed to filtered sunlight for half of the day. She can even stand direct sunlight for a few hours, but you need to ensure that she is well-watered in such conditions. Avoiding windy places for this delicate lady is the best option, because she can dry out very quickly.

Water

As said before, this green lady likes a humid climate. She is best grown in moist and porous soil, but as an epiphytic plant in nature, she is not a thirsty beauty: she will prefer to dry out a little between every watering.

Nutrition

Your beloved Dschidia does not like to be starved. She will be pleased if you feed her with our biologic PLNTSnutrition once a month during spring and summer. During the winter it will not be necessary as she will concentrate on fighting the cold.

Dischidia plant

Propagating Dischidia

Dischidia are really easy to propagate, and we know that you love to create little babies from your plants! The way of propagating Dischidia is via stem-cuttings. By cutting short segments of the stem and letting them dry and heal for a little time, protecting them from direct sunlight and wind, plus keeping them moist at all times, you will see roots growing. After the root's growth is sufficient, they can be moved to their final locations!

Most common pests on Dischidia

The most common pests that can affect your Dischidia are red spider mites and mealybugs. Walking around your house and taking a close look at your beloved green friend can prevent these types of pests. You can even use a magnifying glass to check because these annoying bugs are too small. Moreover, you can find evidence that your plant is suffering from spider mites! Are the symptoms of your plant more visible in the looks of your plant, like yellow or brown leaves? Do you spot little webs on your plant? If your answer is yes, you don’t need to search for more: it is surely spider mite that you are dealing with. Check our PLNTSdoctor page to recognise and eliminate your plant pests!

Is Dischidia poisonous for your pets or children?

Unfortunately, Dischidia are toxic and you should prevent your pets or children from eating them. Sometimes, you 4 legged friends are attracted to the cute foliage, but you should prevent them from having any access to your green cutie.

Dischidia plant for sale

At PLNTS.com you have the possibility of seeing the whole process of your beautiful Dischidia Dragon growing from a baby to a beautiful and mature plant. Isn’t it super exciting to see that?! If you have an interest in this process, you can take a look at our Baby Dischidia Dragon. Here at PLNTS.com, we fulfil all your plant dreams!