Dischidia
This is a trailing vine with various different types of foliage depending on the variety of plant. Dischidia plants are generally easy to grow and they make good houseplants. This plant is closely related to plants in the genus Hoya, another popular group admired for their showy, sometimes fragrant, often waxy flowers.
Type: Trailing vine
Varieties & Common Names:
- Dischidia vidalii (Ant Plant) has pouch-like leaves and red flowers. This variety is known as the Ant Plant as it is often associated with ants because the hollow modified leaves (affectionately called 'ant hotels') provide shelter for these bugs; in return, ants guard the plant and with their waste providing nutrients for the host plant.
- Dischidia ruscifolia (Million Hearts) has numerous small, heart-shaped leaves that line both sides of thin trailing stems. Its flowers are small and grow between a leaf and the stem.
- Dischidia ovata (Watermelon Dischidia) is known by its common name because of the stripes on its leaves.
- Dischidia nummularia
- Dischidia oiantha has variegated oval leaves
Also Known As (depending on variety):
- Ant Plant
- Watermelon Dischidia
Ideal For:
- Plant Enthusiasts/Collectors
- New Plant Owners
General Care Instructions:
Light: Keep your Dischidia in bright filtered light, (direct sunlight will burn its leaves) for the best colour and plenty of leaves. Keep the plant away from drafty locations.
Water: Dischidia prefers a moist growing medium and the plant should be watered frequently but sparingly to keep the soil evenly moist. Do not allow water to pool at the base.