Dischidia imbricata is part of the Apocynaceae family and its native range is Indo-China to W. Malesia. It is an epiphyte growing primarily in the wet tropical biome where it can be found shingling in an overlapping fashion up trees. The space between the leaves and the tree is an ideal home for ants; this symbiosis provides the Dischidia protection from plant-eating enemies and a safe nesting site for the ants.
Leaves are opposite, thick and domed with leaf nodes appearing to have jointed pairs. Flowers are light pink-white and bell shaped. You can mount Dischidia imbricata on bark or balsa wood in order to grow in its natural state.
Genus name comes from the Greek ‘dis’ meaning twice and the Latin ‘schidius’ meaning cleft or split. Specific epithet comes from the Latin imbricatus meaning overlapping.
Light: Dischidia grow in filtered sunlight in their native environment, in the home I would recommend near an east facing window for some morning sun. It is important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the majority of the mix to dry out as the mix is traditionally quite chunky, water will usually flow through quite easily. Be sure to thoroughly moisten the substrate. Pour water slowly over the top of the substrate and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A chunky well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark, sphagnum moss and worm castings; you could also add some horticultural charcoal to this epiphytic mix. A simple mix of coco coir chips and sphagnum moss would work just as well.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every few waterings during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: Day temperatures 12-30°C. Night temperature 12-18°C.
Humidity: Dischidia would prefer higher humidity, between 60-80%. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Dischidia aren’t considered toxic, however, they may make your pet or child vomit if ingested, keep out of reach just to be safe.