Dischistocalyx Bignoniiflorus (s.moore) Lindau

Overview

Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus (S.Moore) Lindau, also known as Dischidia bignoniiflora S.Moore, is a tropical plant in the family Apocynaceae, native to the Philippines. It is a striking plant that is grown both for its ornamental value and its medicinal properties.

Appearance

The Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus plant is a trailing or climbing epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants without harming them. It has long, thin stems up to 3 meters in length, and produces opposite, ovate leaves with prominent veins. The leaves are glossy and have a deep green color. The plant also produces small, urn-shaped flowers that are pinkish-red with a yellow center.

Uses

The Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus plant is primarily grown for ornamental purposes because of its unique appearance. It is especially popular with collectors of unusual and exotic plants. The plant can be used in hanging baskets or trained to grow on a trellis or other support.

In traditional medicine, the Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus plant is used to treat a variety of ailments. The leaves and stems are boiled and taken as a tea to treat fever, coughs, and asthma. The sap is applied externally to relieve pain and inflammation, and the root is used to treat gastrointestinal issues and as a general tonic.

Common Names

Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus is commonly known as the "Ant Plant" due to its symbiotic relationship with ants. The plant provides shelter and food for ants in exchange for protection from herbivores and pathogens. It is also known as "Dancing Dolls" due to the way the flowers appear to dance in the breeze.

Light Requirements

Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus is a plant that requires bright, indirect light. It is best to provide this plant with filtered light, as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Place the plant near a north or east-facing window to provide the optimal light conditions.

Temperature Requirements

This plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can harm the plant, so it is essential to keep it in a warm environment. Avoid placing this plant near cold drafts or air conditioning vents, as this can cause damage to the leaves.

Soil Requirements

The Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus requires well-draining soil. Use a potting mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and sand to provide the ideal soil conditions. This plant also prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between 5.0-6.5. It is important to ensure that the plant is not sitting in waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

Cultivation Methods

Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus requires a warm and humid environment to grow well. It is best cultivated in a bright spot that receives indirect sunlight. This plant thrives in a well-drained soil mix, containing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand. Make sure to plant it in a pot that has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Watering Needs

Proper watering is crucial for the growth of Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering it. The plant may experience droopy leaves or yellowing if it is overwatered. During the dormant season, reduce watering, and let the soil dry out a little longer between waterings.

Fertilization

During the growing season, it is important to fertilize Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. Use a liquid fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus, as it stimulates blooming. Fertilize the plant every two weeks using a half-strength solution.

Pruning

Pruning is usually not necessary for Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus, but if you want to control its size or shape, you can pinch back the new growth tips regularly. This will also encourage branching and fuller growth. Prune off any yellow or dead leaves and stems as soon as you notice them, to prevent the spread of diseases.

Propagation of Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus (S.Moore) Lindau

Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus (S.Moore) Lindau, also known as the White Petal Flower, is a beautiful tropical plant that can be propagated in several ways:

Propagation by Seeds

Seeds are the most common propagation method for Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus. To propagate the plant by seeds:

1. Collect ripe seed pods from a mature plant. The pods should be brown and dry.
2. Remove the seeds from the pods and clean them. Soak the seeds overnight in water to soften their hard coating.
3. Fill a pot with seed-starting mix and sow the seeds on the surface. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a lid to retain moisture.
4. Place the pot in a bright and warm location with filtered sunlight and ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
5. The seeds will germinate in about two weeks, after which you can remove the cover and move the plant to a brighter spot with more direct sunlight.

Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus can also be propagated by stem cuttings. To propagate the plant by stem cuttings:

1. Choose a healthy, mature stem and make a clean cut below a node.
2. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
3. Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in potting soil.
4. Water the cutting well and cover it with a plastic bag or container to retain moisture.
5. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight and water it regularly to ensure the soil remains moist.
6. The cutting should develop roots within four to six weeks. Once rooting has occurred, remove the bag, and move the cutting to a brighter spot with more direct sunlight.

Propagation by Layering

Another way to propagate Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus is by layering. To propagate the plant by layering:

1. Choose a low hanging branch of a mature plant for layering.
2. Select a spot on the branch that is about 6 inches away from the main stem, and remove the leaves and bark from that spot.
3. Apply rooting hormone powder to the exposed spot on the branch.
4. Bury the exposed spot in soil, securing it in place with a plant stake or wire.
5. Once roots have formed, typically in two to three months, cut the rooted branch from the mother plant and transplant it to a larger container.

Disease Management:

Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus is known to be susceptible to a number of diseases. The most common of these is root rot caused by excessive watering or poorly-draining soil. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that the soil around the plant is well-draining and not kept too wet. Fungal infections like powdery mildew can also affect Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus, which can be prevented by keeping the foliage dry and providing good air circulation around the plant. If your plant does become infected with powdery mildew, spraying it with a fungicide can help to control the outbreak. Another prevalent disease for Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus is leaf spot. The best management practice is to remove infected leaves and destroy them.

Pest Management:

Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus can often fall prey to a range of pests. Scale insects and mealybugs are the most common, which can be removed manually or with insecticidal soap. Spider mites can also be a problem, which can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is kept in a moist environment. Aphids are another pest that can damage Dischistocalyx bignoniiflorus. However, they can be easily controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. If a pest infestation is allowed to become established, it can be difficult to get under control. Thus, it is important to regularly check your plants for signs of insect damage, and take appropriate measures at the first sign of trouble.