Dischidia nummularia ‘IDEAMINUBU’ (Pangolin Kisses)

The Thai origin of Dischidia nummularia ‘Pangolin Kisses’

Dischidia nummularia ‘Pangolin Kisses’ arose as a whole-plant mutation in a crop in Chonburi, Thailand, in 2004 and was preserved through cuttings.

The parent species ranges from southern China through tropical Asia and Malesia to northern Queensland, growing on trees and rocks in wet tropical vegetation.

Care for trailing growth and epiphytic roots

Humidity and airflow

Average household humidity can support this thick-leaved selection. Hang it with open space around the crown and let the plant drain after rinsing.

Light

Give Dischidia nummularia ‘Pangolin Kisses’ strong filtered light near an east-facing window or screened from hot south and west sun. Insufficient light stretches the stem and separates the sculpted leaf pairs, weakening the pangolin-like effect.

Watering

Allow most of the open mix to dry, then saturate the root ball and drain it fully. The thick, crowded leaves store some water, so a slightly dry interval is safer than permanent moisture; wait for a lighter pot but not deeply wrinkled foliage.

Temperature

Keep the plant in steady indoor warmth and away from chilling temperatures. A chilled wet pot can damage roots before the fleshy foliage changes.

Fertilising

Apply a dilute balanced fertiliser when the sculpted stems of Dischidia ‘Pangolin Kisses’ are actively extending. Stop when water use and shoot extension slow, even if the calendar still suggests a growing season.

Troubleshooting Dischidia nummularia ‘IDEAMINUBU’ (Pangolin Kisses): normal changes and damage

• Thick leaves overlap like scales: This clustered, pangolin-like arrangement is the cultivar’s defining feature, not crowding or malformed growth. Avoid forcing the pairs apart.
• Inner leaves become glassy or soft: Moisture is lingering within the dense clusters or the root zone. Let the plant drain and dry with moving air after watering, and remove decaying leaves before they affect the stem.
• Whole clusters pucker while the pot feels light: The succulent leaves have used their stored water. Soak the root ball thoroughly, drain it fully and then wait for the mix to approach dryness; do not compensate with tiny daily splashes.
• Cottony insects hide deep in the clusters: Mealybugs can remain invisible until numbers build. Move the plant away from the collection, inspect with a bright light and follow the full treatment sequence in our mealybug guide

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.