Dischidia Imbricata (Kidney plant)

The Dischidia Imbricata, often called the Kidney Plant or Shingle Vine, is a charming, somewhat unusual epiphytic plant (it naturally grows on trees). It’s known for its small, round, overlapping, or “shingling” leaves that grow flat against a support surface.

Here is a care guide for the Dischidia Imbricata (Kidney plant) :

1. Light

• Bright, Indirect Light is Ideal: It thrives in a location with plenty of bright, filtered light, mimicking its natural habitat under a tree canopy.
• Avoid Harsh Direct Sun: While some morning or late afternoon sun is generally okay, strong midday direct sunlight can scorch or bleach the leaves.
• Low Light: Too little light will slow down growth and can lead to overwatering issues.

2. Watering

• Let It Dry Out: As an epiphyte with somewhat fleshy leaves, the Dischidia stores water and is sensitive to overwatering. Allow the top half to two-thirds of the potting medium to dry out between waterings.
• Watering Method: When watering, drench the medium thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
• Mounted Plants: If your plant is mounted on cork or wood with sphagnum moss, you’ll need to water more frequently, often by soaking the entire mount in water for about 15-30 minutes and then allowing it to drain fully. Let the moss become almost dry before soaking again.
• Reduce in Winter: Decrease watering frequency in the cooler, darker winter months.

3. Soil / Growing Medium

• Epiphytic Mix: Avoid heavy, dense potting soil. Since it grows on tree bark in nature, it requires an extremely airy, well-draining, and porous medium.
• Recommended Mixes:
  • Orchid Bark Mix
  • Sphagnum Moss (especially for mounting)
  • A chunky mix of coconut husk chips, perlite, and a little potting mix.
• Support: Since it is a “shingling” or climbing vine, it appreciates something to climb on, like a plank of wood, a moss pole, or a terracotta pot.

4. Humidity and Temperature

• High Humidity: Dischidia imbricata prefers high humidity, ideally in the 50-80% range, which helps its aerial roots establish and keeps the leaves looking fresh.
  • Use a humidifier, place it in a naturally humid room (like a bathroom), or group it with other plants.
• Warm Temperatures: Keep the plant in warm conditions, typically between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C).
• Avoid Drafts: Keep it away from cold windows, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature drops.

5. Fertilizing

• Light Feeder: It doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer.
• Frequency: Feed once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer).
• Type: Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength.

6. Repotting and Pruning

• Repotting: Repotting is generally infrequent (every 2-3 years) as they don’t have extensive root systems. Only increase the pot size slightly.
• Pruning: You can trim the vines to maintain shape or to encourage bushier growth. Use the cuttings for propagation.

Pro-Tip: Encourage Shingling

If you want the leaves to grow flat against a surface (shingling), you must provide that surface (like a piece of cork or wood) and gently secure the new growth points to it. The plant will naturally grow aerial roots to adhere to the support.