This lovely plant goes by a few other names. Still, a million hearts plant” is one of them. The epiphytic plant Dischidia ruscifolia is rising in popularity due to its low maintenance requirements. It relies on parasitism from other trees to thrive; thus, the name “epiphytic” is fascinating. It’s hard in various conditions, so that you can keep it inside or outside.
Also read: 14 Fascinating Flower that grows in the dark
Dischidia ruscifolia, or the Million Hearts Plant, is becoming increasingly well-liked and with good cause. This Dischidis million hearts plant thrives in various conditions, proliferates, and has charming heart-shaped leaves (thus its common name). Read on if you want to know how I cultivate this incredible epiphyte!
The Billion Tears Plant is indeed a plant that epiphytically grows on trees and tree branches, making it so unique. The way you treat it depends critically on this information.
Originating in Asia, this plant has since spread around the globe. The Million Hearts plant (Dischidia ruscifolia) requires nearly identical growing conditions to Dischidia nummularia, another member of the Dischidia genus. However, I find it to be an even less demanding plant to care for the plant.
Dischidia ruscifolia Care
The maintenance of a million hearts plant is the same whether you maintain it indoors or outdoors. Most importantly, keep in mind that this plant is epiphytic. Therefore, create an environment that mimics its natural habitat and encourages growth. Care for Dischidia ruscifolia plants relies heavily on the type of soil used and the amount of water provided.
Light
- These plants like to conceal themselves in the shade of giant trees in the wild.
- Typical habitats include tree barks and climbing and embracing other plants.
- When grown outdoors, take advantage of the “out-of-the-box” quality of Dischidia ruscifolia by planting it in the shade of a large tree, as opposed to the specific location of such a plant indoors.
- To each its own, but let it relish the ascent and the resulting filtered light.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight for the best results. Indoors, it will appreciate being situated near a window if you choose to make it a roommate.
- The plant should be removed from the window and placed close to it in the summer.
- If you don’t have a very sunny location for your Million Hearts plant, you can always use a grow light instead. Make sure it puts out the appropriate lux, though.
Watering
- Keep in mind that less is more while watering the million hearts plant.
- Consider that because it is a climber, it can only drink from the rainwater sources in the jungle when it has been raining for a while.
- Dischidia ruscifolia requires very little water, regardless of whether you’re growing it in a pot, in orchid bark, or moss.
- Whenever the soil appears dry, water it. If you think there’s still moisture, wait a day and give the plant a good soaking.
- It’s important to note that soaking grass and orchid bark only requires submerging the container or grass sphere in water for about 20 minutes.
Temperature
- Million hearts plant thrives in temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (4 and 27 degrees Celsius).
- This plant’s widespread acceptance can be attributed, in large part, to its resilience and adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions.
- Your flowering companion won’t die if the temperature rises above normal.
- But it can tolerate chilly temperatures even if it doesn’t like them.
- Put some stones or lecca in the ocean near the plant if the temperature goes up quickly.
- The proper temperature and normal perspiration can then be maintained.
- It can be kept at a safe distance from the heater but still feel some warmth, if necessary.
Humidity
- Since it evolved in humid Asian forests, this plant needs a lot of moisture to thrive.
- It thrives at this degree of humidity. So maybe now you’re thinking, “There’s no possibility I can get this inside my flat!”
- Yes, you can! Just by putting your million hearts plant near your other plants, you’ll be able to achieve the optimal humidity it needs to thrive. Then, without a hitch, they may all use the same high moisture.
- A humidifier is a good investment if you want to meet the optimal humidity needs for growing Dischidia ruscifolia.
Soil
- The soil is the most intriguing and crucial component.
- This is it if you’re looking for the best soil for a million-heart plant. Since orchid bark has a pH of at least 6.0, it will maintain low alkalinity.
- Despite the million hearts’ distaste for bulky soil mixes, you can utilize dirt. Ensure that it is incredibly slack. The task can be accomplished with coconut coir.
- To take this to a new level, wrap peat moss around the plant’s roots and secure it with string or twine. Finally, you can use a mossy pole to display the plant.
Fertilizer
- Plant food, often known as fertilizer, is essential for our plants’ health and development.
- The optimal fertilizer for Dischidia ruscifolia is either an NPK 20-20-20 or an NPK 9-9-9.
- It’s lightweight, the fertilizer ratio is straightforward, and it helps the plant’s roots grow even more vital.
- Remember that since the million hearts plant is dormant in the winter, you won’t need to fertilize it then.
- However, you should apply it every 20–25 days during the spring.
- Adding limestone near the roots will increase the acidity. You can softly sprinkle it about them and see what happens; it will grow, I guarantee it.
Potting and Repotting
- Dischidia ruscifolia overseeding is an additional challenging step. When repotting into the soil, check to see that roots are reaching the bottom of the container.
- Even though it won’t often happen, knowing what size container you need when repotting a million hearts plant is essential.
- Orchid bark, lecca, or moss will cause the roots to appear to be trying to escape at some time. That’s how you know when to repot your plant.
Pruning
- Pruning Dischidia ruscifolia is the least complicated part of caring for this plant. Only when it “cascades” too much will trimming be necessary.
- When it looks like it’s producing a strong cascade effect and about to fall off, it’s in this stage.
- You can save the trailing stems for another upcoming upkeep suggestion. Million hearts can be cut at any time of year, not just in the spring.
- Wear a glove when you trim it, as the sap that emerges can lead to injuries and rashes if it touches the skin.
How to propagate a string of hearts
- I hope you made good use of the cut stems. These are ideal for replanting your million hearts plant. In addition, all those trimmed-down stems will keep producing new Dischidia ruscifolia plants for years to come.
- You can pick up a set of disinfected shears and prune away the dead limbs without giving it a second thought. To maximize water flow through the stem, always cut at an angle.
- Protect yourself by dipping the edges in a mixture of honey and cinnamon.
- This will kill any bacteria or viruses in the region and work as a “prebiotic” for the plant, shielding the cut from potential pests unless a new root develops.
How to propagate the Million Hearts plant from stem cuttings
- Use healthy cuttings of Dischidia ruscifolia between 3 and 5 inches in length.
- It’s vital to ensure at least two or three nodes per leaf in each cutting.
- It’s essential to give the cuttings a few days to dry out (callus) so they don’t rot.
- Depending on the width, the nodes into the earth bury the reached end in damp, loose, well-drained soil.
- Rooting occurs more quickly if the soil is kept moist and the plant is placed in a warmer, well-lit location.
- Grow the new Thousand Hearts Plant until it is substantial before transplanting it.
Indoor Issues Caused by Dischidia ruscifolia
- Millions of hearts are being lost at this plant. There could be several reasons why the Million Hearts Plant is falling. First, a plant’s demise may be due, in part, to root rot disease, which is exacerbated by damp conditions.
- If you don’t want the soil to become moist, make sure the pot has a draining hole and choose loose, free-draining ground.
- It’s best not to overwater your plant at any time, especially in the winter, when development is slow, and the plant needs less water than in the summer and spring.
Discolored foliage
Overwatering, underwatering, inadequate light, cold draughts, pests, and insufficient nutrition are some of the many causes of yellowing leaves on a Million Hearts Plant.
Descending leaves
An issue that can cause leaves to fall off a Million Hearts plant is watering it with cold water. To prevent stunning this tropical plant, rinse the Dischidia ruscifolia with warm water at room temperature.
Underwatering is the other main reason for leaf drop in Million Hearts Plant. Do not let the soil ball dry out completely, but let the top two to three inches of soil dry out between waterings.
Brownish-brown dried patches on leaves
Underwatering causes brown, dried patches on the leaves of the Million Hearts Plant. Moderately water Dischidia ruscifolia during the growing season, letting the top 2 to 4 inches of soil dry out between waterings. Make sure the dirt doesn’t get too dry.
Discolored and wilting leaves
The leaves of a Million Hearts Plant can wilt and turn brown if they are overwatered throughout the winter.
FAQ’s
Explain what Dischidia ruscifolia is.
Originally from Asia, this plant thrives as an epiphyte and remains green year-round.
Is there a way to tell whether I have Dischidia ruscifolia?
The plant’s large, heart-shaped leaves are a deep, lush green. There are also flowers arranged in the shape of little stars.
How should I maintain my Dischidia ruscifolia?
Keep it well-watered, and clip the stems if they droop too much when you plant them.
How to do cultivation of Dischidia ruscifolia in homes?
Put it in a sunny location near a window, pay attention to how often you water it, and maintain a relative humidity of 40% or less.
What are the steps to taking Dischidia ruscifolia outside?
Please give it some room to climb on the birch bark and put it in the shade of a large tree, similar to how we referred to watering and fertilizing above.
When properly cared for, what is the average growth rate for Dischidia ruscifolia?
The plant isn’t a rapid grower, but it does its best work in the warmer months of spring and summer. Unfortunately, it hibernates during the colder months.
Conclusion
This article provides an overview of Dischidia ruscifolia, how it is cared for, and what its issues are. The great thing about this plant is that it can be a focal point everywhere, indoors or out. Please take advantage of the plant’s climbing tendencies by providing it with mossy poles and fallen trees. Put some Dischidia ruscifolia in a decorative container and set it on your coffee table to create a mini-greenhouse. Planting it outside requires a sturdy tree with thick bark due to our friend’s aggressive nature and subsequent growth. Make it the centerpiece of your landscape alongside several other Dischidias for added effect.
