Varieties
Dischidia nummularifolia 'Ideaminubu' (Dragon Jade)
Origin
Native to tropical forests of Southeast Asia
General Care
Light
Bright, indirect light preferred. Tolerates direct morning or late-afternoon sun. Avoid prolonged harsh midday sun indoors, which may scorch leaves.
Temperature
18–30°C (spring–fall). Give a rest at 10-15°C (winter), but maintain bright light condition. Protect from cold drafts.
Humidity
Average to higher. For extra humidity: mist 1-2 times per week, group with other plants, or, introduce a humidifier.
Water
Spring–fall: every 1–2 weeks, water thoroughly and let mix dry fully.
Winter: every 2–3 weeks, water sparingly and allow barely moist potting mix to dry completely. Sensitive to overwatering, and susceptible to caudex rot. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilizer
Monthly (spring–summer). Use diluted orchid fertilizer, according to packaging instructions. Do not fertilize during winter dormancy.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, dust foliage and caudex with a soft, dry paintbrush/shaving brush and inspect for pests, when doing so. Remove old fronds as they yellow. Train vines onto a trellis, hoop, or hanging planter to encourage cascading form. Prune lightly to shape or to encourage fuller branching.
Potting and Repotting
Free-draining orchid mix. Choose a shallow, wide container to accommodate its caudex. Every 2–3 years (spring) move into a planter 1-2" larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- Naturally a slow grower; patience is required.
- Leaves may be succulent-like, storing water — wrinkling indicates thirst, while yellowing or mushy leaves suggest overwatering.
- Caudex health is critical: wrinkling = thirsty; softening or blackening = rot.
- Pests: mealybugs and scale often hide in bark crevices, along stems and leaf undersides — inspect regularly.