Flat Leaf Dischidia

Flat Leaf Dischidia (Dischidia platyphylla)

Flat Leaf Dischidia is a compact, epiphytic vine grown for its rounded, pancake-like leaves that press against supports to create a shingling pattern; a distinctive, low-fuss houseplant for bright, indirect light and warm, humid rooms.

Distinctive Features

Flattened, overlapping leaves cling along stems for a tile-like effect on boards or bark mounts, while small, tubular white to greenish flowers appear in clusters on mature plants.

Growing Conditions

Provide strong filtered light, warm temperatures, and an airy, fast-draining mix or mount; allow partial dry-down between waterings and keep humidity moderate to high.

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light; brief morning sun is acceptable, avoid harsh afternoon rays.
• Soil: Very well-drained epiphyte mix with bark, perlite, and coco or peat; also thrives mounted on cork with sphagnum.
• Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1 to 2 in to dry; reduce watering in winter.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11 outdoors; grow indoors elsewhere.
• Humidity: Prefers 50 to 70 percent; increase with a tray or room humidifier.
• Mature Size: Vines typically 1 to 4 ft indoors, longer with support.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 6.0 to 7.0.

Ideal Uses

Train on vertical boards or trellises for a living tile effect, or trail from shelves to showcase the sculptural foliage.

• Focal Point: Shingling leaves create a modern, architectural display.
• Mounted Specimen: Excellent on cork slabs or boards for wall art.
• Hanging Displays: Cascading stems suit shelves and baskets.
• Terrarium Edge: Works in large, ventilated terrariums with mounts.
• Collector Groupings: Pairs well with hoya and other epiphytes.

Low Maintenance Care

Keep roots slightly snug, feed lightly in the warm season, and provide airflow to prevent rot on mounts and in mixes.

• Watering: Deep soak and drain fully; err slightly dry rather than wet.
• Pruning: Tip-trim to shape and encourage branching; retain flowering spurs for potential rebloom.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at quarter to half strength monthly in spring and summer.
• Mulching: Not needed in pots; refresh sphagnum lightly on mounts as it decomposes.
• Notes: Provide gentle support to encourage shingling; monitor for mealybugs and scale and treat early.

Why Choose Flat Leaf Dischidia?

This species delivers striking geometry and easy indoor culture with minimal space demands.

• Architectural Leaves: Unique, overlapping foliage for instant texture.
• Space Efficient: Trains vertically or trails neatly in small areas.
• Waterwise: Tolerates brief dry-downs thanks to succulent leaves.
• Design Versatility: Equally effective mounted, potted, or in mixed epiphyte displays.
• Low Maintenance: Light feeding and simple pruning keep it tidy.

Place in bright, indirect light with an airy mix or mount, allow partial dry-down, and maintain moderate humidity to showcase its tile-like foliage year-round.