When I first got this Dischidia ruscifolia I potted him up in trusty, store bought potting soil. For the record, don’t do that, he didn’t do well. So I did some research and followed the advice I found online and moved him into cactus soil. For the record, don’t do that, he didn’t do well.
During further research I finally saw the word “epiphyte” (it had been there all along), and that time it registered. You don’t find too much potting soil or cactus soil on the sides of trees, at least not where I live. I moved him to a bark and sphagnum mix, and he has done very well there.
Every few months I have a “wow” moment with this guy, and I remember the year spent trying to make him happy. From that starter plant in a two-inch pot, he’s grown a lot. Those tiny heart-shaped leaves, the arching branches, and the consistent new growth; for a simple, green plant, he’s now one of my favorites.
I find myself leaning more and more toward epiphytes; Rhipsalis, Hoya, orchids, Ceropegia, and Dischidia. It’s odd, ‘cause it wasn’t at all planned. But I think we grow toward what we find grows for us.
I’ll keep you posted.
