I really like epiphytes, and I have a good number of them. But Dischidia ovata, Watermelon Dischidia, is one of my favorites. It’s too bad that my track record with this one is somewhat lackluster. That’s really rather kind, the lackluster part, ‘cause I killed my first two.
The first was an unrooted cutting, and I won’t do that again. The second, well, a lot of things happened there but I’ll own them all. I was just starting out with epiphytes and thought I knew what I was doing, but yeah, I didn’t. So I took a time out from ovata, did a little research, got some more experience.
Many months passed. When I recently saw a nice specimen at a good price, I decided it was time to try again. I’m doing things differently; better container, better mix, better light. He recovered from shipping and seems happy so far, putting out new growth and some new leaves. And I do love those leaves.
He’s hanging out with his fellow Dischidia and his Hoya cousins, and I’m optimistic this time. Maybe it’s that whole “third time” thing, I don’t know. But he is still alive, and you know my motto: Alive, then thrive.
I’ll keep you posted.
