Dischidia Ovata #1 Care & Growing Guide [Best Needs 2024]
One of the most interesting and beautiful succulents available for purchase is dischidia ovata. This plant grows in rosettes with sturdy stems that can reach up to 12 inches in height. The leaves are a deep green color and are covered in small, sharp thorns. There are also many types of plants like Anthurium Villenaorum](https://plantnative.org/gardening/anthurium-villenaorum-care/), [Anthurium Pedatoradiatum, and other, care is the important thing in every case.
Flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and are a vibrant pink or purple color. While dischidia ovata is generally easy to care for, there are a few things you should know before adding one to your garden.
In this article, we will discuss the care and maintenance of dischidia ovata, as well as some common problems you may encounter while growing it. So, whether you’re a first-time gardener or an experienced pro, read on for everything you need to know about keeping your dischidia ovata healthy and looking its best!
Classification of Dischidia Ovata
**Family:** Apocynaceae
**Genus**: Dischidia
**Species**: D. ovata
**Botanical name:** Dischidia ovata
**Common name**: Watermelon Dischidia
**Native to**: New Guinea/Australia/Indo-china regions
These resilient plants, sometimes known as Watermelon Dischidia, do well in warm, humid environments (40-90% relative humidity) and the tropics or milder zones. They thrive in a wide variety of environments, from 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and need just occasional watering throughout the cooler months. A monthly application of diluted liquid fertilizer from spring through fall is recommended.
History of Dischidia Ovata
The Watermelon Dischidia, or Dischidia Ovata, is a native of Southeast Asia that grows into long, green vines with dark-green, oval-shaped leaves that are marked with white stripes that evoke the rind of a watermelon.
In contrast to other Hoya and Dischidia species, this one is not nearly as well-known among those who grow houseplants. This overlooked houseplant should be given some recognition for its contributions.
Dischidias are becoming increasingly popular due to their refined appearance and low maintenance requirements, although they are far rarer than their Hoya cousins. Dischidias are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants or trees. There are about a hundred different species.
Dischidia Ovata Care and Growing Guide
Best Location
Dischidia ovata does not like the full sun. They grow best in strong, indirect light like they would in the wild.
Tropical natives thrive in humid or moderate regions. They can resist temperatures between 55-90F, but not below 50F.
If you’re growing Dischidia ovata inside, use south- or east-facing window with indirect sunshine. Plant them 3 feet away from a window to avoid draughts and cold in the winter.
Using a water mist spray to wet the leaves occasionally will simulate their native tropical climate. Don’t put them near AC vents.
Watering
This plant thrives in moist settings, it is recommended that similar conditions be created when grown in a greenhouse. Keep the soil around your Watermelon Dischidia wet, but not drenched. This plant may be able to survive in dry conditions for a short period, but should never be allowed to dry out completely.
After the top inch of soil has dried up, you should water your plant again. Give your plant a good bath, let the water drain, and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizing
It is best to use a water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to half-strength. Fertilize your Watermelon Dischidia once a month in the spring and summer, and every other month in the fall and winter.
Pruning
Dischidia ovata does not require pruning, but if you want to encourage fuller growth, you can trim back the stems by a few inches. Be sure to use sharp, clean shears to avoid damaging the plant. After pruning, new growth will quickly emerge from the cuttings.
Soil
This plant prefers a loose, well-draining potting mix. You can use a commercially-available potting mix, or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and sand.
Dischidia ovata does not like soggy roots. 60% cactus potting soil, 20% perlite, and 20% orchid bark provide appropriate drainage and nutrients.
If you only have a generic indoor all-purpose potting mix, it’s alright; just don’t overwater your plant. Indoor potting mixes keep the soil very moist.
Repotting
Your Watermelon Dischidia will need to be repotted every two years or so, in the springtime. When repotting, be sure to use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot. Be careful not to damage the roots when removing the plant from its pot.
Light
As mentioned earlier, Watermelon Dischidias grow best in bright, indirect light. However, they can also tolerate low-light conditions. If you live in an area with little natural light, you can place your plant near a south- or east-facing window.
Temperature
Watermelon Dischidias are tropical plants and prefer warm temperatures. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50F, but should not be allowed to get any colder than that.
Humidity
This plant prefers high humidity levels, similar to those found in its native tropical habitat. If you live in an area with low humidity, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier.
Maintenance
Because Dischidia ovata are such tough plants, it is relatively simple to ensure that they remain healthy and happy. They can withstand periods of drought and are unaffected by the presence of insects, and they don’t need any further care throughout their entire lives.
Providing your Dischidia ovata with an adequate amount of light and preventing them from becoming overwatered are the two most essential aspects of maintaining a healthy condition for these plants.
Propagating Watermelon Dischidias
Watermelon Dischidias can be propagated from stem cuttings. To do this, use a sharp knife or pair of shears to take a 6-inch cutting from a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, and dip the end in the rooting hormone.
Next, fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix, and place the cutting in the pot. Water the soil around the cutting, and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and in about 6-8 weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the soil.
Once the new plant has established itself, you can transplant it into a larger pot.
Common Problems with Dischidia Ovata
Over-watering
Over-watering is the number one killer of Dischidia ovata. If the leaves start to turn yellow, that’s a sign that you’re giving your plant too much water. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Underwatering
Underwatering can also be a problem. If the leaves start to wrinkle or drop off, that’s a sign that your plant is not getting enough water. Be sure to water your plant regularly, and never let the soil dry out completely.
Too much sun
If the leaves start to turn red or brown, that’s a sign that your plant is getting too much sun. Move your plant to a location with brighter indirect light.
Too little sun
If the leaves start to turn yellow or pale, that’s a sign that your plant is not getting enough sun. Move your plant to a location with brighter indirect light.
Fungal diseases
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot can be a problem for Dischidia ovata. These diseases are often caused by over-watering or poor drainage. Be sure to water your plant only when the soil is dry, and use a well-draining potting mix. If you notice any signs of disease, you can treat it with a fungicide.
Pests
Dischidia ovata are not particularly susceptible to pests, but mealybugs and spider mites can be a problem. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root Rot
If you overwater your Dischidia ovata, you may likely experience this undesirable side effect. Always plant your Dischidia ovata in soil that has good drainage, and maintain a low level of moisture in the soil once it is established.
If you discover root rot while repotting your plant, wash the old soil off of the roots with water, and then prune any areas of the root that have become blackened. Then you should repot your plant in soil that drains effectively and reduce the amount of water you give it in the future.
Conclusion
If you are a gardener or housekeeper who wants to make their place beautiful and purified and looking for an interesting and beautiful addition to your garden or home dcor, look no further than dischidia ovata.
This plant is easy to care for and grows well in a variety of conditions. With a little bit of TLC, you can enjoy the delicate beauty of this climbing vine for years to come. Have you grown dischidia ovata before? What tips would you add to our growing guide? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQs
Question
How do you take care of Dischidia ovata?
Answer
There’s no one guaranteed way to make any plant grow faster. However, Dischidia ovata will typically grow faster if it’s in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and if the potting mix is kept moist (but not wet).
Question
” How do you make Dischidia grow faster?”
Answer
When mounted high on a terrarium backdrop or hardscape, Dischidia ovata thrives. Though, if you do want to plant it, recreating that epiphytic environment is going to serve you well. To keep the roots healthy and flourishing, you’ll want to use a less dense substrate (such as bark or orchid mix) that has plenty of air and drainage.
Question
” How do you plant Dischidia ovata?”
Answer
Yes! Dischidia ovata is easy to care for and makes a great addition to any home or garden. With a little bit of TLC, you can enjoy the delicate beauty of this plant for years to come.
