How to Grow and Care for Million Hearts Plant (Dischidia ruscifolia) Indoors
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Botanical name: Dischidia ruscifolia
Family: Apocynaceae
Description
Million Hearts Plant (Dischidia ruscifolia) is an easy to grow plant which bears numerous heart-shaped leaves on trailing stems and hence the common name, 'Million Hearts Plant'.
The trailing stems cascade beautifully along the sides of a pot or in a hanging basket.
Flower
The Million Hearts Plant readily and oftenly flowers when grown indoors. The flowers are white, tiny and very fragrant.
Origin
Dischidia ruscifolia is native to Philippines where it grows as an epiphyte on top of trees, attaching itself to the trees by means of its tiny roots borne at the leaf nodes.
Where to Buy
Various sizes of these magnificent plants are readily available online at Etsy. Buy beautiful Dischidia ruscifolia (Million Hearts Plant) online from Etsy.
Other Dischidia Plants for Growing Indoors
• Watermelon Dischidia (Dischidia ovata)
• String of Nickels Plant (Dischidia nummularia)
Dischidia ruscifolia Care Indoors
Million Hearts Plant (Dischidia ruscifolia) thrives in bright light with some morning sunshine away from hot direct sunshine, average warmth, moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil and two feedings during the growing season.
Dischidia ruscifolia has no need for high humidity or 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 the best growing conditions and how to provide them.
Light Requirements
Million Hearts Plant grows best in bright light with some morning sunshine but away from hot direct sunshine.
Too little light results in a leggy plant while too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to turn reddish.
Dischidia ruscifolia will also grow under a grow light where natural light is not adequate.
Watering
Water Million Hearts Plant thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.
Significantly reduce watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist as the growth is minimal at this time.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to avoid soggy soil as it can lead to rotting.
Temperature
Average warmth between 18-300C during the growing season is ideal for Million Hearts Plant. Keep it away from draughts as it does not like sudden changes in the temperature.
Humidity
Average room humidity is ideal for Million Hearts Plant. It has no need for high humidity but is benefits from regular misting of the leaves. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Dischidia ruscifolia twice during the growing season with a succulents fertilizer. The Plant is not a heavy feeder so be careful when feeding. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Repotting
Million Hearts Plant has a small root system so frequent repotting is not necessary. Repot the plant at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes crowded in its current pot.
Use a pot 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease. Use a shallow pot and be careful not to bury the stems to prevent rotting.
Soil
Being an epiphyte, the best soil for Million Hearts Plant should be rich in organic matter, loose, free-draining bark soil to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
Most orchid potting mixes are ideal. Buy quality Orchid Potting Mix for Million Hearts Plant online from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning Million Hearts Plant involves removal of any dead leaves and stems to keep the plant neat and tidy as well as discourage pest and disease infestations. Trim the stems at the beginning of the growing season if they become straggly to rejuvenate growth.
Propagation
Million Hearts Plant (Dischidia ruscifolia) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate Million Hearts Plant from stem cuttings
Take 3-5 in. stem cuttings from a healthy Dischidia ruscifolia. Ensure each cutting has 2-3 leaf nodes.
Allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 7 days to avoid rotting.
Press the cut end into moist, loose, free-draining soil or lay the string 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 the new Million Hearts Plant after which routine care can begin.
Dischidia ruscifolia Problems Indoors
Million Hearts Plant (Dischidia ruscifolia) problems indoors include plant death, dropping leaves, leaf spots, shrivelled leaves, yellow leaves, rotting, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Plant dying
Million Hearts Plant may be dying due to a number of reasons. One reason for a dying plant is root-rot disease which is brought about by soggy soil.
Ensure the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is loose, free-draining soil to prevent it from getting soggy.
Also, avoid overwatering especially during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time, therefore, the plant does not use as much water as when it is actively growing.
Read more on 11 Reasons Why Dischidia Plant is Dying and How to Fix Them
Yellowing leaves
Million Hearts Plant leaves may turn yellow due to overwatering, underwatering, little light, cold drafts, pests and underfeeding among other reasons.
Read more on 12 Reasons for Million Hearts Plant Yellowing Leaves and their Remedies
Dropping leaves
Watering Million Hearts Plant with very cold water is one cause of dropping leaves. Water the plant with water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
The second cause of leaf fall in Million Hearts Plant is underwatering. Water the plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.
Lessen watering in the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Brown dry leaf spots
Brown dry leaf spots in Million Hearts Plant are due to underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.
Cut down on watering in the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Elongated stems
Elongated stems in your Million Hearts Plant during the cold season is due to too much water; water less and maintain the soil barely moist.
If elongated stems occur during the growing season, then the cause is too little light.
Million Hearts Plant requires bright light with some direct sunlight. Too little light will cause the plant to grow weak, elongated stems in an attempt to reach the light source.
Position 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.
Wilted and discolored leaves
Overwatering during the cold period is the cause of wilted and discolored leaves in Million Hearts Plant.
Decrease watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time.
In addition, make sure that the pot for Million Hearts Plant has a drainage hole and the soil is loose, free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil.
Rotting at base of the stems
Rotting plant base and stems collapse in Million Hearts Plant is an indication of basal stem rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.
Avoid overwatering during the cold season. Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.
Pests
Common pests in Million Hearts Plant are spider mites, scale insects, aphids and mealy bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants with appropriate products like neem oil and insecticidal soap among others.
Diseases
Common diseases in Million Hearts Plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with a fungicidal solution as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Is Million Hearts Plant toxic?
Million Hearts Plant (Dischidia ruscifolia) produces a milky sap which can irritate the skin. Always wear gloves when handling the plant. It is considered toxic to both humans and pets if ingested.
