Share
&media=https://www.livinghouse.ca//shared/media/blog/269/image-1743525060.jpg)
Dischidia ovata, commonly known as the Round-Leafed Dischidia, is a beautiful and low-maintenance tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Its distinctive round, succulent-like leaves make it a unique addition to any plant collection. Known for its trailing growth habit and small, charming leaves, this plant can thrive both as a hanging plant or in a small pot. If you're looking to add a touch of greenery to your space, Dischidia ovata could be the perfect choice. Let’s dive into how to properly care for this stunning plant.
Dischidia ovata thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking the natural conditions of its tropical habitat. Providing the right lighting will ensure the plant grows vigorously and maintains its beautiful round leaves. Ideally, place your Dischidia ovata in a spot that receives bright, indirect light, such as near a window with sheer curtains or in an area with filtered sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct sun, prolonged exposure to intense rays can cause the leaves to scorch, turning them yellow or brown. It’s best to keep it away from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, the stems may elongate, and the leaves may become smaller or less vibrant. In this case, try moving your plant to a brighter location. If you are growing it outdoors in a warm climate, ensure it gets dappled or filtered sunlight, as too much direct sun can lead to leaf burn.
Like many succulents, Dischidia ovata is somewhat drought-tolerant and doesn’t like its roots sitting in water. Proper watering is crucial to prevent overwatering and root rot. Water your Dischidia when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During the growing season in spring and summer, this might be once every seven to ten days, but in cooler months, such as fall and winter, the frequency should be reduced. When watering, ensure that the water reaches the root system by thoroughly soaking the soil, but always use a pot with proper drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. If the leaves start turning yellow or become mushy, this is often a sign of overwatering. To prevent this, allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid letting the plant sit in excess water. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to water, it’s always better to wait a few extra days, as Dischidia ovata can handle a bit of drought better than being overwatered.
Dischidia ovata is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Keeping the temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C) will ensure the plant stays healthy, while temperatures below 50°F (10°C) should be avoided, as this plant is sensitive to cold. Since it enjoys high humidity, it will benefit from additional moisture in the air, especially during winter when indoor air tends to be drier. Using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can help maintain optimal humidity levels. However, while humidity is important, good airflow is equally necessary to prevent fungal growth. Make sure the plant isn’t sitting in stagnant, overly humid air for long periods. If your home is dry, grouping plants together can create a more humid microenvironment, benefiting humidity-loving plants like Dischidia ovata.
Fertilizing your Dischidia ovata will support its growth and ensure it gets the nutrients it needs, but it does not require heavy feeding. During the growing season, feed the plant once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer or one formulated for houseplants. To prevent overfeeding, dilute the fertilizer to half strength before applying. In fall and winter, fertilization should be stopped, as the plant’s growth slows down, and excess nutrients are unnecessary. Signs of over-fertilization include yellowing leaves or stunted growth, which may indicate nutrient buildup in the soil. If this happens, flushing the soil with water can help remove excess nutrients. If using organic fertilizer, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and dilute it if needed to avoid overfeeding.
Dischidia ovata is relatively low-maintenance, but occasional pruning helps maintain its appearance and encourages healthy growth. Prune any dead or damaged stems to keep the plant tidy and prevent disease. If you want to promote a bushier look, trim long stems just above a leaf node, as this will encourage new growth and create a fuller shape. Dust can accumulate on the leaves, so wiping them with a damp cloth every few weeks will help improve photosynthesis and keep the plant looking fresh. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears when trimming to avoid damaging the plant or spreading disease.
Dischidia ovata is relatively easy to propagate, and new plants can be grown using stem cuttings. To propagate, take a healthy section of stem that includes a few leaves and at least one node, where the leaf attaches to the stem. Let the cutting dry out for a day or two to allow the cut end to callus over, which helps prevent rot when planted. Once calloused, the cutting can be placed in either water or directly in moist, well-draining soil. If propagating in water, the water should be changed every few days to keep it fresh. To encourage root growth, keep the cutting in a humid environment by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse or terrarium. Rooting in water is usually faster, but some prefer to propagate directly in soil for a smoother transition.
Dischidia ovata is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with cats, dogs, and other animals. However, while it is not poisonous, it’s still best to keep it out of reach of curious pets, as ingesting large amounts of any plant material could cause mild digestive upset.
Why are my Dischidia ovata’s leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the plant’s soil is well-draining, and avoid letting the plant sit in water. Also, check if the plant is receiving enough light.
How often should I water my Dischidia ovata?
Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During the growing season, this could be every seven to ten days, while in winter, watering can be reduced to once every two weeks.
Can Dischidia ovata tolerate direct sunlight?
Dischidia ovata can handle a small amount of direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure can burn the leaves. It’s best to provide it with bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
How do I propagate Dischidia ovata?
The easiest way to propagate Dischidia ovata is by taking stem cuttings. Place the cuttings in water or soil, and keep them in a humid environment until they root.