Dischidia nummularia ‘IDEAMINUBU’ (Pangolin Kisses)

Origin of Pangolin Kisses

Pangolin Kisses began as a natural mutation of an unnamed Dischidia nummularia that affected the whole plant. Breeder Thumrong Suphachadiwong found it in 2004 in a commercial greenhouse in Chonburi, Thailand.

The plant was first propagated from cuttings in 2004, and later generations kept the same compact, strongly convex foliage. The cultivar received a US plant patent in 2015.

The species behind Pangolin Kisses, Dischidia nummularia, grows across a broad part of tropical Asia and reaches northern Queensland.

Everyday care for Pangolin Kisses

• Light: A bright spot with filtered light works well; light shade is also suitable.
• Watering: Water the whole pot thoroughly, let it drain, then allow the chunky mix to dry well before watering again. Once the plant is well rooted, it can cope if the mix becomes quite dry between waterings.
• Potting mix: Base the mix on chunky orchid bark or coconut chips and add perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
• Warmth: Keep Pangolin Kisses warm and stable, and protect it from cold draughts.
• Humidity and airflow: Keep air moving through the closely packed foliage and around the fine roots so moisture does not linger after watering.
• Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant or orchid fertiliser while fresh stems and leaves are forming.
• Training: Allow the low stems to spill over the rim, or lay selected stems against cork or bark if you want them to grip it.
• Repotting: When drainage starts to slow, replace the old potting mix. Move to a slightly larger pot when the roots fill the current one.
• Propagation: Root healthy stem cuttings in warm conditions.

Pangolin Kisses problems

• A white powder develops on leaves or stems: Powdery mildew can develop when leaves and stems stay damp for too long. Improve airflow, keep foliage dry during watering and use a fungicide labelled for powdery mildew if treatment is needed, following the label directions and repeat interval.
• Aphids gather around fresh growth: These sap-feeding insects can hide among the closely packed stems. Isolate the plant, check through the inner growth and apply a treatment labelled for aphids, following the label and repeat interval.
• The stem base darkens or roots become soft: The potting mix is staying too wet and the roots are not getting enough air. Trim rotted tissue back to firm healthy growth with a clean disinfected tool, discard the affected tissue and repot into fresh airy mix.
• Convex leaves lose firmness after a long dry period: The plant has stayed dry for too long. Water thoroughly, let the pot drain and wait until the mix has dried well before watering again.

Keep Dischidia nummularia ‘IDEAMINUBU’ (Pangolin Kisses) away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

Where does the name Dischidia nummularia come from?

Dischidia combines Greek dis, meaning twice, with schizein, meaning to split, referring to the divided lobes of the staminal corona. Nummularia comes from the Latin nummulus, “small coin,” and means coin-like.

Robert Brown established the genus Dischidia in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 461.

Robert Brown first described Dischidia nummularia in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 461.