Dischidia ovata (Watermelon Dischidia) Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems and Remedies
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Watermelon Dischidia (Dischidia ovata) thrives in bright light with some morning sunshine, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with two feedings in the growing season.
Dischidia ovata is a spectacular, fast-growing plant which bears oval-shaped leaves with markings which resemble the rind of the watermelon fruit and hence the common name.
The trailing stems in Watermelon Dischidia bear tiny roots at at every node (where the leaf joins the stem) by which they attach the plant to the growing medium or any surface they come into contact with.
Watermelon Dischidia is one of the best plants for a hanging basket, pedestal, tabletop, desktop, shelf and any other place where the trailing stems can cascade downwards beautifully to display the magnificent foliage.
Botanical name: Dischidia ovata
Family: Apocynaceae
Origin
Dischidia ovata is native to India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Australia where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.
Is Dischidia ovata poisonous?
Watermelon Dischidia produces a milky sap which can irritate the skin. Always wear gloves when handling the plant. Dischidia ovata is considered toxic to both humans and pets if ingested.
Dischidia Varieties
Other popular Dischidia varieties include:
• Million Hearts Plant (Dischidia ruscifolia) which bears numerous heart-shaped leaves on trailing stems and white, tiny and very fragrant flowers.
• String of Nickels Plant (Dischidia nummularia) with trailing stems and succulent leaves which form a dense mass of greenish-yellow foliage. The flowers are white to yellowish-white.
Where to Buy
Are you looking to add Watermelon Dischidia to your plant collection?. You may get them online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
How do you care for Dischidia ovata indoors?
Caring for Dischidia ovata indoors, entails providing bright light with 4-6 hours of morning sunshine, average warmth of 18-260C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with two feedings during the growing season.
Watermelon Dischidia has no need for frequent repotting as it has a small root system. Pruning is needed to keep it neat, to discourage pests and diseases and to control growth. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
How often should I water Dischidia ovata?
Water your Dischidia ovata thoroughly in spring and summer and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid soggy soil to prevent yellowing, rotting and leaf drop.
Significantly decrease watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil barely moist as the growth is minimal at this time. However, do not leave the soil to dry out completely for a prolonged period to avoid wilting and dropping leaves.
Ensure that the water is at room temperature to prevent plant shock which can cause slowed growth and leaf drop.
Use a pot that has a drainage hole and loose, free-draining soil to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
Light Requirements
Dischidia ovata grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of morning sunshine. Position it infront of a bright window which receives sunshine in the morning. Keep it away from hot midday sunshine to avoid scorching.
Low light results in a leggy plant while too much sunlight causes the leaves to turn reddish. If the natural lighting is not enough, you may use a full spectrum grow light to supplement it.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant gets light on all sides, which prevents it from becoming leggy.
Temperature and Humidity
Dischidia ovata flourishes in an average warmth of 18-260C during the growing season. Keep it away from drafts as it does not like flactuactions in the temperature which can cause reduced growth and leaf drop.
Moderate humidity of 50-55% is ideal for Watermelon Dischidia. It has no need for extra humidity. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Potting Soil
What kind of soil does Dischidia ovata like?
Dischidia ovata likes a rich, loose and well-draining soil which does not get soggy. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. Cactus and succulents mixes are ideal for this plant.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Dischidia ovata in spring and summer with a slow release fertilizer as per the manufacturer's instructions. Take care not to overfeed as the plant is not a heavy feeder. Withhold feeding in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time.
Repotting
Watermelon Dischidia has a small root system so frequent repotting is not necessary. Repot the plant at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), only when it becomes crowded in its current pot.
Select a pot 1 size larger than the current one and ensure that it has a drainage hole to avoid waterlogging as it can lead to rotting. Be careful not to bury the stems to prevent rotting. Use a shallow pot as the plant has small roots. Take your pick from these succulents pots available on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Dischidia ovata involves removal of any dead leaves and stems to keep the plant neat and to reduce pest and disease infestations.
Trim the stems at the beginning of the growing season if they become straggly to rejuvenate growth.
Dischidia ovata Propagation
Dischidia ovata (Watermelon Dischidia) is propagated from stem cuttings at the beginning of the growing season when it is in active growth.
Propagating Watermelon Dischidia from stem cuttings
- Take 3-5 inches stem cuttings from a healthy plant. Ensure each cutting has 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth witll emerge from.
- Allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 3-5 days to avoid rotting.
- Press the cut end into moist, well-draining soil or lay the stems on top of the soil and lightly press the leaf nodes into the soil.
- Place in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until they are rooted.
- Allow substancial growth before transplanting your new plant after which you can begin routine care.
Dischidia ovata Problems & Solutions
Dischidia ovata (Watermelon Dischidia) problems include yellowing leaves, plant dying, dropping leaves, brown leaves, leggy growth, pests, diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their remedies.
Yellowing leaves
Why are the leaves on my Dischidia ovata turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on your Dischidia ovata are caused by overwatering, underwatering, too little light, cold drafts, pests, nutrients deficiency, diseases among other reasons.
Check out these 12 Reasons for Watermelon Dischidia Yellowing Leaves and How to Fix Them.
Plant dying
Why is my Dischidia ovata dying?
Your Dischidia ovata is dying due to root-rot, overwatering, underwatering, underfeeding, being pot-bound, pests, diseases, too little light, temperature stress among others.
Take a look at these 11 Reasons Why Dischidia Plant is Dying and How to Fix Them
Dropping leaves
Why is my Dischidia ovata dropping leaves?
Your Dischidia ovata is dropping leaves due to use of too cold water, inconsistent watering and temperature stress.
How to fix it
Too cold water: Water the plant with water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out and never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts coming from windy doors, drafty windows, AC units, stoves, hot air vents among others.
Brown leaves
Why are my Dischidia ovata leaves turning brown?
Some of the causes of brown leaves on your Dischidia ovata are incorrect watering, too little light, extreme temperatures, and aging.
How to fix it
Incorrect watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches feel dry but do not let the soilball dry out completely.
Too little light: Position the plant in a brightly-lit spot with 4-6 hours of morning sunshine.
Extreme temperatures: Protect the plant from drafts emanating from hot surfaces, AC units, windy doors, drafty windows and others.
Aging: With maturity the older leaves begin to die; they first turn yellow, then brown and eventually fall off.
Leggy growth
Leggy growth (elongated stems) on Watermelon Dischidia is due to overwatering and too little light.
How to fix it
Overwatering: Water less to maintain the soil barely moist in fall and winter.
Too little light: Place the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with some direct morning sunlight or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Pests
What are the pests of Dischidia ovata?
Common pests of Dischidia ovata are spider mites, scale insects, aphids and mealybugs.
How to fix it
- Check underneath the leaves regularly for these pests and take timely control measures.
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants.
- Treat the infested plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Regularly damp-wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to discourage the pests.
- Keep the plant well pruned to minimize the hiding and breeding places for these pests.
Diseases
Watermelon Dischidia is prone to:
1. Powdery mildew which is a fungal disease and is prevalent in warm humid conditions. It is characterized by spotting or coating of the leaf surface with a white powdery deposit.
How to fix it
- Remove the affected leaves and discard to reduce spread to other parts of the plant.
- Spray the plant with a systemic fungicide as indicated by the manufacturer.
- Improve the air circulation for the plant as doing so reduces the occurrence of the disease.
2. Leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, moist spots on the foliage. In a serious attack the spots can enlarge and merge, killing the whole leaf.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to reduce the risk of spread to the rest of the plants.
- Spray the affected plant with a systemic fungicide and ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Keep the plant on the dry side and do not mist it.
3. Basal stem rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions. It is a fungal disease which spreads rapidly and kills the plant making it difficult to treat.
How to fix it
- To save a plant that is in the early stages of infestation, cut away and discard or burn the diseased tissue.
- Keep the soil on the drier side; avoid soggy soil by use of well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.
- Ensure there is free air circulation for the plant.
- Avoid keeping the plant in very cold conditions.
- If the plant is too far gone, use the upper stems to propagate new plants and discard or burn the infected parts.
- Discard its pot and soil to prevent spread to the rest of the plants.
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