Dischidia Dragon Jade Houseplant: Care and Growing Tips

An Overview of Dischidia Dragon Jade

Dischidia dragon jade, also known by its scientific name dischidia nummularia, is a unique and exotic houseplant. With its round, coin-shaped leaves and vining stems, it earns its "dragon jade" nickname from its jade-green foliage and dragon-like appearance.

As a member of the milkweed family, dischidia dragon jade is native to tropical regions of China and Southeast Asia. It thrives in warm, humid environments with filtered sunlight. Under the right growing conditions, this plant remains compact and lush.

Key Features of Dischidia Dragon Jade Plants

Some of the defining features of the dischidia dragon jade that make it stand out include:

• Round, coin-shaped leaves
• Trailing or vining stems
• Jade green foliage
• Compact growth
• Air plants - absorbs nutrients from moisture in the air
• Easy Propagation from stem cuttings

The round leaves resemble coins or jade beads, giving rise to the common name. As a vining plant, the stems trail down if grown in hanging baskets. The leaves remain a lush green color all year long.

Growing Conditions for Dischidia Dragon Jade

Caring for dischidia dragon jade plants requires paying attention to a few key factors:

• Bright, indirect light - Some sun is fine, but direct prolonged sun will scorch the leaves.
• High humidity - Mist frequently and use pebble trays for moisture.
• Moderate temperatures - 65-80°F is ideal, with colder months around 60°F.
• Well-draining soil mix - Use a peat-based potting mix with added perlite or bark.
• Allow soil to dry out some between waterings to prevent root rot.

Meeting these basic growing requirements will lead to a bushy and healthy dischidia dragon jade houseplant.

How to Propagate Dischidia Dragon Jade

One of the things that makes dischidia dragon jade so popular is how easy they are to propagate. Propagation can be done a few different ways with high success rates:

• Stem cuttings - Clip off a stem with a few leaves and nodes and place in water or moist soil mix. Roots will begin to form at the nodes.
• Separating rooted offshoots from the mother plant.
• Air layering over damp sphagnum moss.

Taking stem cuttings is the most common method. With the quick rooting, new plants can be shared or used to fill hanging baskets and walls.

Tips for Growing Dischidia Dragon Jade

Follow these helpful tips for successfully growing dischidia dragon jade houseplants:

Provide Support for Vining Stems

The vining stems of the plant can get quite long and will cascade down. Provide trellises, moss poles, or other climbing supports to help train the stems upwards or in hanging displays.

Mist Frequently for Added Humidity

Coming from tropical environments, dischidia dragon jade thrives in higher humidity levels. Use room humidifiers if indoor conditions are very dry. Misting the leaves frequently also replicates humid jungle settings.

Good Air Circulation Discourages Pests

Allow good airflow around dischidia plants. Stagnant conditions can lead to issues with fungus gnats, spider mites, mealybugs and scale.

Fertilize Every 2-4 Weeks During Growing Season

Feed dischidia dragon jade with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted by half strength, from spring through summer. This encourages lush foliage growth. Discontinue feeding over the fall and winter months when growth slows.

Repot Every Couple Years

Refresh the potting mix every 2-3 years in the springtime. This provides fresh nutrients and allows room for root expansion if the plant is actively growing.

Common Issues With Dischidia Dragon Jade

When provided with proper care, dischidia dragon jade plants tend to remain pest and disease free. However, here are solutions for a few potential problems that may arise:

Leaf Spotting From Too Much Sun

If intense sunlight reaches the leaves, brown crispy spots or scorched areas may show up. Adjust placement to brighter indirect lighting conditions.

Root Rot

Overwatering is the most common reason for sudden leaf yellowing and drooping. Check roots for mushy black areas and repot in fresh mix if needed.

Slow Growth

Insufficient light and declining soil nutrients can lead to minimal new growth over time. Troubleshoot conditions and move to a brighter location or repot for renewed vigor.

Showcase Dischidia Dragon Jade as an Easy Care Houseplant

Dischidia dragon jade offers unique visual appeal coupled with simple care requirements. For indoor gardeners looking for interesting specimens, this trailing charmer makes an excellent addition!

FAQs

How often should I water dischidia dragon jade?

Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Take care not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Allow more time between waterings in the winter when growth slows down.

What type of soil does dischidia dragon jade need?

Use a fast draining potting mix made for houseplants, such as peat-based mixes amended with perlite or bark chips. Good drainage prevents soggy soil.

Should I mist my dischidia dragon jade?

Yes, misting is highly beneficial since these plants thrive in humid conditions. Misting the leaves and providing a pebble tray helps increase humidity around the plant.

What are the best ways to display a dischidia dragon jade?

Let it trail in hanging baskets or on a wall mounted trellis. The vining stems look beautiful draping down. Tuck among other plants in mixed containers too.