Closely related to Hoya, Dischidia Pectinoides is a star semi succulent that will be more than happy to train indoors with minimal care!
Dischidia pectinoides, an eye-catching epiphytic specimen that thrives in any indoor conditions as long as you take a little care of it, making it a great option for small spaces and new plant parents.
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Dischidia Pectinoides Plant Information
Dischidia Pectinoides is a rare and unique epiphytic plant native to tropical regions in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia. This plant primarily thrives in the forests of countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Foliage
The leaves are small, usually measuring 1-2 inches in length. They have a distinct heart or kidney shape and are green with white veins, providing a striking contrast. The foliage is fairly dense, covering the trailing stems amply.
Flowers
Flowering typically occurs in the late spring to early summer. They are small, inconspicuous, and usually white or yellowish. However, flowering is relatively rare when the plant is kept in indoor conditions.
Unique Feature of the Plant
One of the most distinctive features of Dischidia Pectinoides leaves is their ant-plant mutualism. While in its native habitat, the plant’s leaves often develop into “pouches” that can host ant colonies. In return for shelter, the ants provide the plant with essential nutrients through their waste.
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Propagating Dischidia Pectinoides
The easiest and fastest method for propagating Dischidia Pectinoides is through stem cuttings.
Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors to cut a healthy stem section that has at least one leaf, ideally 4-6 inches long. Let the cutting air-dry for a few hours to allow the cut end to callous over.
Insert the calloused end into a pot filled with well-draining soil or place it in a jar of water. If using soil, water it lightly; if using water, make sure to change it every few days. Place the cutting in indirect sunlight and maintain high humidity for optimal results. Roots should start to appear within 2-4 weeks.
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If you don’t want to go through the hassles of growing a plant from a cutting, which can be time-consuming, it would be a good idea to get a well-grown plant from a garden center!
Requirements to Grow Dischidia Pectinoides
Sunlight
Dischidia Pectinoides thrives in bright, indirect light, but it is important to avoid direct sun as it can scorch the delicate leaves of the plant. The best location indoors would be placing it near an east-facing window from where it gets light for 4-5 hours a day.
If it gets filtered light for most part of the day, after basking in the morning sun for a few hours every day, nothing like it! You can do it by keeping it slightly away from a south or west-facing window that’s covered with a translucent drape.
Pro Tip: If the leaves start to turn yellow, it may be an indication that the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight, and you will need to move it to a shadier spot.
Look out for these Signs that Indicate Your Indoor Plants Need More Sunlight
Soil
When it comes to soil, Dischidia Pectinoides prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. For the best growth, you can make a pocket-friendly medium at home by mixing:
- Coir or Peat Moss: 40%
- Perlite or Sand: 40%
- Organic Compost or sterilized garden soil: 20%
Find out some Helpful Hacks to Improve Your Garden Soil for Free here
Water
Go easy on the plant when it comes to moistening the growing medium, as overwatering can lead to root rot. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, but not completely.
The best way to check if the plant needs watering is to stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it is time to water.
It is also important to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to leaf spotting and disease.
Here are Signs of Overwatering & How to Save an Overwatered Plant
Temperature and Humidity
Dischidia Pectinoides thrives in warm, humid environments and prefers temperatures between 60-90°F (15-30°C). It is important to avoid exposing this plant to A/C or heating vents.
These plants are native to tropical environments, so they thrive in higher humidity levels, typically in the region of 30-50%. Consider using a room humidifier, or place a tray filled with water and pebbles underneath the pot to increase moisture levels.
Dischidia Pectinoides Care
Fertilizer
This plant grows at its own sweet pace, so don’t worry about feeding it much. If you want to increase the size of the foliage and make it spread a little faster, then feed Dischidia Pectinoides with a balanced liquid fertilizer once in 4-6 weeks after diluting it 1/2 to its strength.
Do remember, it doesn’t need fertilizer at all in winter.
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Pest and Diseases
Dischidia Pectinoides is a relatively pest and disease-resistant plant, but it is still important to keep an eye out for any signs of problems.
Common pests that affect Dischidia Pectinoides are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. You can treat these with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
To prevent disease, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Additionally, you should avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to leaf spotting and disease.
