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Watermelon Dischidia Dischidia ovata

Phonetic Spelling
di-SHID-ee-ah oh-VAH-tah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Watermelon Dischidia is a climbing epiphytic herbaceous perennial in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native to wet tropical areas of New Guinea to North Queensland, Australia, and thrives in shaded and humid conditions. Its common name originates from its resemblance to a watermelon rind. This plant is a small, delicate, cascading vine that trails or climbs and has small, thick, waxy, oval green leaves with a silvery-like striped variegation. The leaves will have a pinkish-reddish tinge when exposed to bright sunlight. Watermelon Dischidia is both epiphytic and lithophytic and will cling to surfaces as it grows.  Its flowers are small white or cream-colored and inconspicuous. The plant will grow 2 to 3 inches tall and spread 2 to 3 feet. This plant is closely related to plants in the Hoya genus.

This plant prefers humid and well-ventilated conditions and bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch its leaves. It thrives in moist, well-drained, porous soils that will provide good air circulation for its roots. A soil mixture that contains some perlite, vermiculite, coconut husks, or sphagnum moss will provide good drainage. The plant is very sensitive to overwatering. Humidity levels should be 60 to 80% and temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided. Repotting is suggested every 2 to 3 years or as the plant outgrows its container. Stem cuttings are the easiest method of propagation. 

The striking foliage and trailing or climbing habit make the Watermelon Dischidia a perfect houseplant for hanging baskets or trellises to create vertical interest. It may also be placed on a shaded patio or shaded outdoor spaces in warmer climates. It is best practice to wear gloves when handling this plant because its milky, white sap may cause skin irritation. Reportedly, the sap may also be toxic if ingested; therefore, exercise caution in the presence of small children or pets. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Overwatering or poor drainage may cause root rot. Leaf spots may occur in humid conditions or from wetting the leaves when watering. Leggy growth occurs from inadequate light. Leaf drop may be caused by sudden changes in temperature, humidity, or watering pattern. 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#epiphytic#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#terrarium#climbing vines#cascading#ornamental vine#trailing#herbaceous perennial#variegated#vertical spaces#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial#patio#trellis
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#epiphytic#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#terrarium#climbing vines#cascading#ornamental vine#trailing#herbaceous perennial#variegated#vertical spaces#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial#patio#trellis
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dischidia
    Species:
    ovata
    Family:
    Apocynaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    New Guinea to North Queensland
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Climbing Method:
    Clinging
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 0 ft. 3 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Vine
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Climbing
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and white to cream colored.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Waxy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are thick, succulent-like, waxy, green with a variegated pattern of silvery-white stripes resembling a watermelon rind.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stems are green, vining, trailing, or climbing that cling to surfaces as it grows.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested, the sap may cause mouth burning, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets. Contact with skin or eyes cause burning, redness, and irritation.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    toxic principle unknown
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Sap/Juice