Scientific Name
Dischidia vidalii Becc.
Common Name(s)
Kangaroo Pocket, Ant Plant, Thruppence Ravioli Plant, Bladder Vine
Synonym(s)
Dischidia pectenoides
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Dischidia
Description
Dischidia vidalii is a very odd and interesting epiphytic climber. Leaves are small, thick, fleshy, oval-shaped, and light green. There are also modified leaves that form a purse-like pouch filled with roots. Flowers are bright red to magenta, arranged in clusters known as umbels, and occur in the leaf axils (the space above where the leaf is attached to the stem).
This plant has a symbiotic relationship with ants. Its modified leaves provide shelter for ants, while the ants help to guard the plant against pests and fertilize the plant with their waste products.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Allow the soil to dry out before you water the plant. They are used to getting moisture only from dew and the air and cannot tolerate boggy media. When the bark medium is dry to the touch, submerge the container in water until air bubbles are gone.
Dischidia also needs high humidity. Mist the plant every day or place the container on a saucer filled with pebbles and water. The water will evaporate and moisten the air, while the pebbles will hold the sensitive roots out of the water.
Dischidia doesn't really need fertilizer, but you should change the planting media every year. If you wish, apply a liquid plant food diluted by half when you water beginning in spring and stopping by September.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Dischidia.
Origin
This species is native to the Philippines.
Links
- Back to genus Dischidia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
