Dischidia Watermelon Plant

Dischidia Ovata

Family

Apocynaceae

Origin

New Guinea

Description

Watermelon Dischidia have striped tiny 1/2" leaves, dark green and white. The beautiful foliage resembles little watermelons. The flowers are greenish-yellow with purple lines, but this plant is grown for it's beautiful leaves. When Dischidia finishes blooming, leave the flower stalk, as it may produce new flowers. Removing the stalk forces the plant to produce a new stalk, which delays blooming and wastes the plant s energy.

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Environment

Easy to grow & don t require much attention. Dischidia do best in filtered light or with lots of artificial light in indoors.

Dischidia plants don t ask for much, beyond the well-draining soil and the warm humid conditions ((similar to bromeliads and orchids)

They are epyphite, can be grown in orchid medium or light potting mix with lots of bark conditioner. Dischidia like the security of a snug pot, and plants that are a bit root bound will flower more prolifically than those that are swimming around in a giant pot.

Landscape Use

It makes a nice hanging basket, but also does really well as a mounted plant