20 - 30cm Dischidia Oinantha Houseplant in Hanging 14cm Pot

Dischidia Oiantha is a charming, epiphytic plant from the milkweed family (Apocynaceae), native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It's prized for its trailing vines, ornamental foliage, and adaptability as a low-maintenance houseplant. Often grown in hanging baskets or mounted on boards, it brings a lush, tropical aesthetic to indoor spaces.

🌿 Botanical Overview

• Scientific Name: Dischidia oiantha

• Family: Apocynaceae

• Origin: Philippines, Southeast Asia

• Growth Habit: Epiphytic trailing vine

• Leaf Shape: Oval or lance-shaped, thick and waxy

• Leaf Colour: Bright green; there is also a variegated form (Dischidia oiantha 'Variegata') with creamy white or yellow margins

• Flowers: Tiny, pale, urn-shaped blooms (not particularly showy)

🌞 Light Requirements

• Ideal: Bright, indirect light

• Tolerates: Some morning sun or dappled light

• Avoid: Harsh afternoon sun (can scorch leaves); very low light will slow growth and cause legginess

💧 Watering

• Watering Frequency: Moderate; allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings

• Epiphytic Tendency: Can tolerate drying out slightly; better to under-water than over-water

• Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50%+), but can adapt to average indoor levels

• Watering Tips:

  • Reduce watering in winter

  • Use distilled or rainwater if your tap water is hard

🌱 Soil & Potting

• Potting Mix: Use a very well-draining mix — orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss are ideal

• Mounting Option: Can be mounted on wood or cork with sphagnum moss for a naturalistic display

• Pot Type: Hanging pots, slatted baskets, or terracotta pots with drainage holes

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal Temperature: 18°C – 28°C

• Minimum Tolerable: 10°C (protect from frost)

• Humidity: Prefers 50–70%. Use a pebble tray, humidifier, or regular misting to increase humidity in dry environments

🌸 Fertilising

• Feeding Schedule: Monthly during growing season (spring to early autumn)

• Type of Fertiliser: Balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10 or orchid fertiliser at half strength)

• Avoid: Over-fertilising — can cause salt build-up and root damage

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning: Trim back leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth

• Cleaning: Wipe leaves gently to remove dust

• Re-potting: Every 1–2 years or when rootbound

🪲 Pests & Problems

• Common Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, scale

• Disease Risks: Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage

• Prevention:

  • Isolate new plants before introducing them to your collection

  • Keep foliage dry and improve air circulation

  • Wipe pests off with neem oil or insecticidal soap

🔁 Propagation

• Stem Cuttings:

  • Take a cutting with at least 2 nodes

  • Root in water or moist sphagnum moss

  • Keep in high humidity until rooted

• Air Layering: Possible but less common

🧡 Fun Facts & Tips

• Dischidia oiantha is related to Hoya, and shares similar growing conditions

• In the wild, it often grows on trees and absorbs moisture from the air

• It makes a lovely companion for terrarium settings (in open or well-ventilated containers)