Dischidia care guide
Dischidia
Also known as: String of nickels, Kangaroo pocket
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Dischidia
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- An epiphyte: as a guide, water well once the medium dries, mist about daily, and keep the air moving so it does not stay soggy.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Water about two to three days after the medium dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the medium dries, during a mild part of the day.
Light and placement for Dischidia
Bright light through a sheer curtain is generally right; it grows on tree trunks in the wild, so direct sun scorches the leaves, while too little light thins them and stretches the vines.
Overwintering Dischidia
Overwintering guide: 8°C (46°F) or above
Tender to cold: move it to a warm room when nights fall below about 10°C; roughly 8°C is its limit, so keep it fairly dry in winter and away from cold windowpanes.
Fertilizing and repotting Dischidia
Fertilizer
Feed lightly, about once a month with very dilute liquid fertilizer from May to September; strong fertilizer damages the roots, and none is needed in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Dischidia
- Planted in ordinary soil, the roots suffocate and the plant rots from the base.
- Dry heated air wrinkles the leaves and the vines die back.
- Winter cold drops the leaves.
Tips for growing Dischidia
- Grow it in an airy medium such as sphagnum, bark or coconut chips, in a hanging pot or mounted on a board.
- The swollen pouch leaves are made to hold roots; water inside them is not a problem.
- Vine pieces with a node laid on damp sphagnum root readily.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
