Plants
Dischidia
Dischidia · Apocynaceae
Dischidia is the lesser-known sister of the hoya: an epiphytic hanging plant with fleshy little leaves on fine, trailing stems. Depending on the species, coin-round, oval or heart-shaped leaves line up densely — a living green curtain. We source our dischidias in well-established hanging quality via the Veiling Rhein-Maas.
- Light
- Bright without harsh sun; tolerates semi-shade but becomes reluctant to flower there.
- Watering
- Moderate — let the substrate dry between waterings; high humidity matters more than frequent watering.
- Care level
- Medium
- Botanical
- Dischidia
The genus holds a botanical curiosity: some species such as Dischidia major form hollow bladder leaves alongside normal ones. In the wild, ant colonies move in; the plant roots into their nutrient-rich nest debris — a genuine flat-share with rent paid in fertiliser.
Three species dominate the trade: Dischidia nummularia with small coin-shaped leaves (string of nickels), Dischidia ruscifolia, the million hearts plant with densely packed heart-shaped leaves, and the patterned Dischidia ovata with watermelon markings. All three are cared for identically and stay compact.
As an epiphyte, dischidia has fine roots that need air: it grows in a coarse mix of orchid bark, coco fibre and a little sphagnum — in normal potting soil it suffocates. It is often sold in plain coconut shells or mounted, which comes closest to its natural way of growing.
For watering, follow the hoya rhythm: let it dry, then water thoroughly or soak. The fleshy leaves store water and signal thirst by folding slightly. More important than frequent watering is decent humidity — in dry heating air the plant appreciates regular misting.
Given good light, dischidias produce small urn-shaped flowers in white to pinkish red, subtly scented depending on the species. They are plainer than hoya flowers but a sure sign the plant is happy. In our floristry work we like placing dischidias in bright bathrooms and kitchens — the humidity there is right all by itself.
Is Dischidia toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Like its relative the hoya, dischidia is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children. The milky sap can mildly irritate sensitive skin; as always, nibbling is best avoided.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Hang bright but out of direct sun — filtered light at an east or west window is ideal.
- 02Let the substrate dry, then water thoroughly or briefly soak the root ball.
- 03Use a coarse, airy epiphyte mix; avoid regular potting soil.
- 04Keep humidity high: mist regularly or hang it in a bright bathroom.
- 05Feed very lightly once a month from spring to autumn.
- 06Keep above 15 degrees Celsius and avoid draughts.
Frequently asked
- Is dischidia toxic to cats or dogs?
- No, like the closely related hoyas, dischidias are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. The milky sap can mildly irritate on direct contact, but serious poisoning is not expected. That makes it a good pet-friendly hanging plant.
- What is the difference between dischidia and hoya?
- Both belong to the same family and grow epiphytically. Dischidias stay finer and smaller-leaved overall, and their flowers are modest little urns, while hoyas show off large waxy flower umbels. Care is nearly identical — if you can grow hoyas, you can grow dischidias.
- What substrate does a dischidia need?
- A coarse, airy mix like the one used for orchids: bark, coco fibre and some sphagnum moss. The fine epiphyte roots need air and quickly rot in dense potting soil. Growing it in a coconut shell or mounted also works very well.
- Why is my dischidia dropping leaves?
- The cause is usually waterlogging in a too-dense substrate or a cold, draughty spot. Check the substrate, repot into a coarse epiphyte mix if needed, and give the plant a warm, bright place without draughts. Slightly folded leaves, by contrast, are merely a thirst signal.