Dischidia

Dischidia grows on trees and sometimes rocks in tropical Asia and the western Pacific. Fine roots form along the stems, letting the plant creep over bark, climb or hang freely.

A few species have remarkable leaves adapted to life with ants. Dischidia major, for example, forms hollow leaf pouches where ants may shelter. Most familiar cultivated Dischidia carry ordinary round, heart-shaped or overlapping leaves.

Dischidia plants

Dischidia nummularia develops long strands of button-like leaves. Dischidia ovata has green leaves marked with a darker pattern, and Dischidia ruscifolia carries little heart-shaped foliage. Dischidia imbricata produces overlapping leaves that lie close against a support as the stems attach.

Many Dischidia grow on branches in tropical forests. Indoors, they appreciate bright indirect daylight and an open growing medium that provides air around the roots. Fleshier-leaved forms generally tolerate more drying; plants on mounts can need closer attention because exposed roots dry quickly.

Trailing varieties are attractive from a hanging planter, and clinging species can grow over a piece of bark or a textured board. Healthy stem cuttings often root readily. Pet-safety evidence is incomplete across the genus, so keep Dischidia away from animals that chew foliage.