Dischidia ruscifolia

Million Hearts Plant, Million Hearts Dischidia

Easy careEpiphyteMildly toxic20–100 cm

Native to the Philippines, where it clings to tree trunks as a true epiphyte in tropical forest, Dischidia ruscifolia is a miniature trailing vine in the milkweed family (Apocynaceae) — its tiny, paired heart-shaped leaves arranged in facing rows along slender stems are what earn it the common name Million Hearts. In a terrarium it suits cork bark mounting or a chunky orchid bark mix, and like most epiphytes it cannot tolerate waterlogged roots; partial drying between waterings is essential. Given good drainage and steady warmth above 18 °C, it is one of the more forgiving terrarium vines to keep.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Million Hearts Plant image

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers medium humidity, bright indirect light, with 10–29 °C, and reaches 100 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

Medium (40–60%)(preferred)High (60–80%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
10°C – 29°C

Soil

Orchid mix(preferred)Well drainingSphagnum mix

Moisture

Dry(preferred)Moist

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Take a 7–13 cm cutting with two or three healthy nodes and allow the cut end to callus for a day before placing it in moist sphagnum moss or a bark-based mix. Rooting hormone speeds things up but is not essential. Keep in warm conditions (22–27 °C) with bright indirect light and elevated humidity — roots typically develop within two to four weeks. Spring and early summer cuttings root most reliably as the plant enters its growing season.

Native range

Native to Malesia.

Appearance

Growth habit

TrailingClimbing

Leaf shape

Heart

Leaf texture

SucculentWaxy

Frequently asked

Can Million Hearts Plant grow in a closed terrarium?

Million Hearts Plant prefers medium (40–60%) humidity, which is below the level a closed terrarium typically maintains. It is better suited to an open terrarium or houseplant setup.

Does Million Hearts Plant need drainage?

Yes. Million Hearts Plant prefers a dry-leaning substrate and benefits from a drainage layer to prevent root rot.

What humidity does Million Hearts Plant need?

Million Hearts Plant does best in medium (40–60%) humidity.

Is Million Hearts Plant pet-safe?

Million Hearts Plant is mildly toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children.

How tall does Million Hearts Plant grow?

Million Hearts Plant typically reaches 20–100 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Million Hearts Plant?

Million Hearts Plant can be propagated by stem cuttings.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Dischidia ruscifolia

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:97038-1
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  3. 3

    Garden Pals — Million Hearts care guide

    https://gardenpals.com/million-hearts/
  4. 4

    Positive Bloom — Dischidia ruscifolia

    https://positivebloom.com/dischidia-ruscifolia/
  5. 5
  6. 6

    Earthone.io — Dischidia ruscifolia

    https://earthone.io/plant/dischidia%20ruscifolia
  7. 7

    ForwardPlant — Dischidia ruscifolia propagation guide

    https://www.forwardplant.com/care/propagate/dischidia-ruscifolia/
  8. 8
  9. 9

    Josh's Frogs — Dischidia ruscifolia vivarium listing

    https://joshsfrogs.com/p/dischidia-ruscifolia-million-hearts-plant066
  10. 10

    Dendroboard — Million Hearts Dischidia ruscifolia vivarium thread

    https://www.dendroboard.com/threads/million-hearts-dischidia-ruscifolia.337633/
  11. 11