String of nickels cascades with round, coin-shaped leaves that create an eye-catching display in bright indirect light. This trailing succulent, also known as Dischidia nummularia, is a favorite among houseplant lovers who want something a little different from the usual string of pearls or bananas. It’s a forgiving plant that rewards you with fast growth and a unique texture, making it perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, or mixed planters.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about caring for this beautiful vining plant. We’ll cover light, water, soil, propagation, and common problems, so you can keep your plant thriving for years.
String Of Nickels: An Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of care, let’s look at what makes this plant special. The string of nickels is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, where it grows as an epiphyte. That means it clings to trees and rocks, pulling moisture and nutrients from the air and debris around it, rather than from soil.
This background is key to understanding its care. It doesn’t like heavy, soggy soil. Instead, it wants excellent drainage and plenty of air circulation around its roots. The leaves are thick and succulent-like, storing water for dry spells, which makes it quite drought-tolerant.
Here are some quick facts about the plant:
- Botanical name: Dischidia nummularia
- Common names: String of nickels, button orchid
- Light needs: Bright, indirect light
- Watering: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings
- Growth habit: Trailing or climbing vine
- Pet friendly: Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Because it’s an epiphyte, you can even grow it mounted on a piece of wood or in a terrarium with other tropical plants. It’s a versatile plant that adapts well to different growing styles, as long as you respect its need for airy conditions.
Why Choose This Plant
If you are looking for a low-maintenance trailing plant, this is a great option. It grows quickly once established, and the round leaves create a dense, textured curtain. It also handles neglect better than many ferns or calatheas, making it ideal for busy people.
The plant also offers a lovely contrast when planted alongside other trailing species with different leaf shapes. You can mix it with string of hearts or string of turtles for a stunning, full arrangement.
Light Requirements For String Of Nickels
Getting the light right is the most important part of keeping your string of nickels happy. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, similar to what you would give a hoya or a philodendron. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window is ideal.
Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. On the other hand, too little light will make the plant leggy, with large gaps between the leaves. The vines will stretch out, looking sparse and weak.
Here are some signs your light levels are off:
- Leaves turning red or purple: This usually means too much direct sun.
- Leggy vines with small leaves: This indicates insufficient light.
- Leaves dropping off: Often caused by a sudden change in light or temperature.
- Healthy, compact growth: You have found the sweet spot.
If you don’t have a bright window, you can use a grow light. A standard LED grow light placed about 12 inches above the plant will work well. Just make sure to run it for 10-12 hours a day to mimic natural daylight.
Using Artificial Light
Grow lights are a fantastic solution for darker rooms or during the winter months. When using artificial light, keep an eye on the distance between the light and the plant. If the leaves start to look bleached or pale, move the light further away.
You can also rotate the pot every couple of weeks to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal light. This promotes even, bushy growth rather than having one side grow toward the window.
Watering And Humidity
Watering is where many people make mistakes with this plant. Because it is a succulent-like epiphyte, it prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the number one cause of death for string of nickels, leading to root rot and mushy stems.
The best approach is to check the soil with your finger. If the top two inches of soil feel dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days. When you do water, water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes, then discard the excess water from the saucer.
Here is a simple watering schedule based on the season:
- Spring and Summer: Water every 7-10 days, depending on temperature and light.
- Fall and Winter: Reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks, as the plant goes into a slower growth phase.
- Always: Check the soil moisture before watering, never rely on a strict calendar.
Humidity is less critical for this plant, but it does appreciate a bit of extra moisture in the air. Average household humidity (around 40-50%) is fine. If you want to give it a boost, you can place it on a pebble tray with water or run a humidifier nearby. Avoid misting the leaves directly, as this can lead to fungal issues if the water sits on the foliage for too long.
Signs Of Overwatering Vs Underwatering
It can be tricky to tell the difference, but here are the clues:
- Overwatering: Yellow, translucent leaves, mushy stems, and a foul smell from the soil.
- Underwatering: Wrinkled, shriveled leaves that feel thin and crispy. The vines may look deflated.
If you notice wrinkled leaves, a good soak will usually perk the plant up within a day. If you suspect root rot, you will need to take cuttings and propagate them, as the original roots may be beyond saving.
Soil And Potting Mix
Choosing the right soil is crucial for the long-term health of your string of nickels. Standard potting soil is too heavy and retains too much water. Instead, you want a chunky, well-aerated mix that mimics the plant’s natural epiphytic environment.
A good mix will include ingredients like:
- Perlite or pumice for drainage
- Orchid bark for aeration
- Coco coir or peat moss for moisture retention
- A small amount of worm castings for nutrients
You can buy a pre-made succulent mix and add some orchid bark to it, or you can create your own. The goal is to have a mix that dries out quickly but still holds a little moisture around the roots.
Repotting Tips
This plant does not mind being slightly root-bound. In fact, it often flowers better when its roots are snug. You should only repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes. When you do repot, choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current one.
Here are the steps for repotting:
- Gently remove the plant from its current pot.
- Shake off the old soil and inspect the roots for any signs of rot.
- Place the plant in the new pot and fill around it with fresh, dry mix.
- Wait 3-5 days before watering to allow any damaged roots to callus over.
Using a terracotta pot is a great choice because it is porous and allows excess moisture to evaporate quickly. This helps prevent overwatering issues.
Fertilizing Your Plant
String of nickels is not a heavy feeder. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and cause the leaves to drop. However, a little bit of food during the growing season will encourage faster growth and healthier foliage.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. You can apply it once a month during the spring and summer. Stop fertilizing entirely in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Here are some fertilizing guidelines:
- Use a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 balanced fertilizer.
- Dilute to half the recommended strength on the label.
- Water the plant first before applying fertilizer to avoid root burn.
- Skip fertilizing if the plant is stressed or recently repotted.
If you prefer organic options, you can top-dress the soil with worm castings or use a diluted compost tea. These gentle options provide slow-release nutrients without the risk of overfeeding.
Propagation: How To Grow New Plants
Propagating string of nickels is surprisingly easy and a fun way to expand your collection or share with friends. The best time to propagate is during the growing season, in spring or early summer. You can use stem cuttings or even single leaves, though stem cuttings have a higher success rate.
Here is a step-by-step guide to propagating in soil:
- Take a healthy cutting that is at least 4-6 inches long, with several leaves.
- Remove the bottom 1-2 leaves to expose a bare stem.
- Allow the cutting to dry for a few hours or overnight to callus over.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but helpful).
- Insert the cutting into a small pot with moist, well-draining soil.
- Place the pot in bright, indirect light and keep the soil lightly moist.
- Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks. You can gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance.
You can also propagate in water. Place the cutting in a glass jar with water, making sure the nodes are submerged. Change the water every few days. Once roots are about an inch long, transfer the cutting to soil.
Propagation Tips For Success
To increase your chances of success, keep the following in mind:
- Take cuttings from healthy, vigorous vines, not from weak or damaged growth.
- Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to avoid crushing the stem.
- Keep the new plants in a warm spot with consistent humidity.
- Do not let the soil stay soggy, but do not let it completely dry out either.
Once the new plants are established, you can treat them like mature plants. They will start trailing and filling out within a few months.
Common Pests And Problems
While string of nickels is generally a resilient plant, it can still fall victim to a few common pests. The most frequent culprits are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. These pests can sap the energy from your plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
Here is how to identify and treat them:
- Mealybugs: Look like tiny white cotton balls. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Spider mites: Cause fine webbing and stippled leaves. Rinse the plant with water and apply insecticidal soap.
- Scale: Appear as small, brown bumps on the stems. Scrape them off manually or use neem oil.
Prevention is the best medicine. Inspect new plants before bringing them home, and quarantine them for a couple of weeks. Keep your plant healthy, as a stressed plant is more susceptible to infestations.
Leaf Drop And Yellowing
If your plant is dropping leaves, it is usually a sign of stress. The most common causes are:
- Overwatering or underwatering
- Sudden temperature changes or drafts
- Too much direct sunlight
- Lack of light
Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering, while brown, crispy leaves suggest too much sun or low humidity. Assess the conditions and adjust accordingly. Most of the time, the plant will recover once you correct the issue.
Display Ideas And Styling
One of the best things about string of nickels is how versatile it is for display. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, but you can also train it to climb a moss pole or trellis. The small, round leaves look great spilling over the edge of a shelf or cabinet.
Here are some creative ways to display your plant:
- Hang it in a macrame planter near a bright window.
- Place it on a high shelf and let the vines cascade down.
- Train it up a small obelisk or wire frame for a unique look.
- Combine it with other trailing plants in a mixed container.
- Grow it in a terrarium or glass cloche for a mini jungle vibe.
Because the plant is epiphytic, you can even mount it on a piece of driftwood or cork bark. Secure the roots with sphagnum moss and a bit of fishing line. Mist it regularly to keep the moss moist. This creates a stunning, natural-looking display that is sure to be a conversation starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is string of nickels toxic to pets?
A: No, this plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, it is still best to keep it out of reach, as ingesting large amounts of any plant material can cause stomach upset.
Q: How fast does string of nickels grow?
A: Under optimal conditions, it is a fast grower. You can expect several inches of new growth per month during the spring and summer. Growth slows down in the winter.
Q: Can I grow string of nickels outdoors?
A: Yes, you can grow it outdoors in USDA zones 10-11. It prefers a shaded or partially shaded spot with high humidity. If you live in a cooler climate, you can move it outside for the summer and bring it back indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F.
Q: Why are the leaves on my plant turning red?
A: Red or purple leaves usually indicate that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light, and the leaves should return to their normal green color.
Q: Does this plant flower?
A: Yes, it can produce small, inconspicuous flowers in the summer. They are not showy, but they are a sign that your plant is happy and healthy. The flowers are usually white or pale yellow.
String of nickels is a rewarding plant that brings a unique texture to any indoor garden. With the right light, proper watering, and a well-draining soil mix, it will thrive and grow quickly. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned plant parent, this trailing beauty is a wonderful addition to your collection. Just remember to let it dry out between waterings and give it plenty of bright, indirect light, and you will be rewarded with lush, cascading vines.
If you follow the care tips outlined above, you will find that this plant is one of the easiest and most satisfying to grow. It is forgiving, fast-growing, and visually appealing. So go ahead and find a spot for a string of nickels in your home—you won’t regret it. The round, coin-like leaves will quickly become one of your favorite features in your plant collection.