Round leaves that form cavities, growing their own "pot" so to speak

Dischidia platyphylla is a species from Southeast Asia (Philippines and French Polynesia) with large, round leaves that cling tightly to a surface. In the wild, it grows epiphytically on larger trees, and older plants can form dense mats around tree trunks.

The round, surprisingly thick leaves press tightly against their substrate, and the plant anchors itself with numerous clinging roots. The leaves then gently curve upwards, creating a small cavity beneath them. Moisture can be well retained in this cavity, thus providing the plant with water during prolonged dry periods. Trees densely overgrown with Dischidia platyphylla look a bit like they have an unsightly green rash.

From a certain size, Dischidia platyphylla then forms so-called "ant leaves". These are larger and usually do not rest against a substrate but bend until they form a hollow sphere. Small, stinging ants then move into these ant leaves and protect their new home, and thus the plant at the same time. In addition, some roots also grow into the ant leaves. With these, the plant absorbs nutrients that the ants carry to their nest. However, this is not, as is often claimed, the ants' excrement (ants are too smart to defecate in their own nests), but small amounts of dust and soil that the ants carry into the nest on their feet. Dischidia platyphylla thus practically grows its own pot.

The plant produces pink flowers.

Care

Can also be kept as a hanging plant indoors, but you don't really see its growth habit that way. We therefore strongly recommend that you give it a piece of wood or cork to grow on. Suitable, for example, for a hanging pot in orchid soil, mounted on wood or cork, or in a terrarium on moss. It develops most beautifully when it can climb on a slightly rough surface.

Humid air and a bright spot are optimal but not a necessity. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in winter but should then be watered very sparingly.

Ideal temperature 20-28°C. Water moderately and allow to dry slightly between waterings. Buy Dischidia platyphylla online!