This trailing plant's intricately-patterned leaves are sure to grab attention hanging from your shelf or ceiling. The pale green of their leaves is contrasted with even paler veining, which really brings out the resemblance to little watermelons. Related to Hoya, these trailing plants love a bright spot near the window, and will thank your care (read: putting it in the right spot and remembering to water it occasionally) with more of its gorgeous, vining foliage.
Scientific Name Dischidia ovata 'Watermelon' (plant with parted crowns and egg-shaped leaves, cultivar: watermelon)
Common Name Watermelon Dischidia, String of Nickels, String of Watermelons, Watermelon Vine
Origin Native to tropical forests in Southeast Asia and Australia Light A lover of the light, this plant will appreciate a slash of morning or evening sun. If the direct light can hit the soil, this will help it dry in good time; otherwise, be very careful to let it dry out almost totally before watering again. Water Water when half the soil is dry. Check this by picking up the pot to see if it feels light. In a lower light situation, remember it will need less water.
Humidity This plant likes a bit of a humid environment. While average humidity can be fine, it may appreciate the use of a humidity tray, especially if you notice the edges of its leaves going brown and crispy.
Soil This plant is an epiphyte, so use a chunky soil with plenty of air pockets. A mix with added bark, perlite and coir, or one designed for Anthuriums or Orchids, will work well here. Repot every few years in spring as the plant grows.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Temperature Ideal temperature is 15-30°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips Root rot can be common if these plants are left too damp in a shady spot. If leaves are rapidly going yellow and squishy, your plant needs more light and less water- and potentially drastic action.
Most common issues can be solved by moving your plant out of a shadier spot and into brighter light, so avoid making your plant sad giving it plenty of light to begin with! If it's getting too much light, its leaves may start to crisp and dry out, but this can be more easily remedied than rot.
This month we have been busier than expected, which is obviously amazing. We have worked with some amazing businesses, including a very nice doughnut cafe thats opened on College Green that you need to check out. We have welcomed Jazz to the team, she's already settling in amazingly. And we look forward to the end of the year for that ever so special quarter that is very very important to retailers like us up and down the country.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.