Dischidia hirsuta 'Red Leaf' Care Tips and Growing Information

13.02.2024 - 04:55 / balconygardenweb.com / Ralph Astley

Dischidias are unusual, unique, easy-to-care-for houseplants, and most types love to trail and cascade from hanging baskets. If you want a non-fussy companion for your desk or window, learn How to Grow Dischidia hirsuta Red Leaf, and you may fall in love with the plant.

Botanical Name: Dischidia hirsuta

USDA Zones: 10-11

Dischidia hirsuta Red Leaf is a rare specimen from the pretty Dischidia species found in Southeast Asia. The foliage contains a high amount of anthocyanin, unlike the usual form, which is green. It also produces lantern-like, tiny orange or yellow blooms in the warmer months.

Growing this plant is similar to hoya and orchids.

This plant can be propagated easily via stem cuttings. Just snip a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant with a sharp knife and let the cut end callous for 6-10 hours. Plant it in a well- draining potting mix, water well, and keep it where it gets dappled light all day. That’s it – it’s really that simple. In about 2-4 weeks, the cutting will form roots and start growing into a beautiful plant.

Dischidia hirsuta Red Leaf thrives well in places with less direct light, making them perfect for homes with low light conditions. It is ideal for a low-sunlight east ornorth-facing window and should receive 4-5 hours of indirect sunlight daily.

The plant can be perfect for planters or hanging baskets in covered patios or porches.

The plant needs a well-draining growing medium rich in organic content. Grow this rare plant in shredded bark, coco coir, and orchid potting mix and not in regular potting mix. The epiphytic roots will otherwise suffocate and die.

It is best to keep the growing medium evenly and consistently moist but not soggy. You can mist the plant too once every 2-4 days to keep the