How to Grow & Propagate String of Nickels

Dischidia nummularia, also known as the "String of Nickels," is a lovely and low-maintenance plant. Today is the perfect time to plant yours, and for easy maintenance, follow these simple instructions.

The name "string of nickels succulents" (Dischidia nummularia) comes from how they look. The string of nickels plant, which is grown for its foliage, has teeny, round leaves that look like tiny coins dangling from a cord. The leaf color can range from a light shade of green to one with bronze or silver undertones.

Description

String of Nickels Plant (Dischidia nummularia) also called Button Orchid is a trailing succulent plant which forms a dense mass of greenish-yellow foliage.

The stems, which can reach a length of three meters, cascade down gracefully in a hanging basket or on a pedestal.

The leaves are opposite and round and look like numerous coins, hence the common name "String of Nickels".

Young leaves frequently have a powdery bloom to them. The flowers range in color from white to yellow-white.

Origin

Dischidia nummularia is a tree-climbing epiphyte that is native to India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Australia.

Dischidia Nummularia Care Indoors

Light

Bright light with some morning sunlight is ideal for the growth of the String of Nickels plant. In situations where natural light is insufficient, it can also grow under a grow light.

For this plant, low light makes it leggy, and hot, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. See this article to learn more about lighting for indoor plants.

The Sting of Nickels plant is generally accustomed to growing indoors. And as a result, it can tolerate low light levels without looking weak or pale. Place the growing medium close to a window that faces north or east so that the plant receives equal amounts of morning and evening sunlight. This will give it access to low-light. Furthermore, it's best to place the container of your string of nickels plant in areas with some partial shade, such as porches or patios, if you intend to grow it outdoors. The plant becomes sensitive to the sweltering afternoon sun, which may cause the leaves to burn. In summary, a half-day of filtered light would be sufficient. Additionally, if it is growing in direct sunlight, the trailing epiphyte will momentarily tolerate the extreme heat, but only for two hours or so.

Water

During the growing season, water the String of Nickels Plant moderately, letting the soil dry between applications.

Reduce watering significantly during the cold season to keep the soil just moist, as growth is minimal at this time. Learn more about watering indoor plants.

To prevent soggy soil, which can cause root-rot disease, make sure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining.

Temperature

Average warmth between 18-26⁰C is ideal for the String of Nickels Plant during the growing season.

Check to see if the environment is a little humid when growing outdoors but in a protected area. Additionally, it's best if the plant has adequate air circulation to encourage transpiration, lessen condensation on the leaf surfaces, and prevent the spread of any possible fungi. It's important to keep in mind that this plant doesn't tolerate strong winds well before you plant it outdoors, especially in the early stages of growth. The plant requires a warm environment in addition to keeping the medium in a reasonably humid environment. The string of nickels cannot endure frosting conditions, despite being a hardy succulent capable of thriving in USDA zones 9 to 11.

Humidity

String of Nickels Plant benefits from a moderately humid environment. It doesn't require a lot of humidity. To avoid fungal diseases, make sure there is adequate air circulation.

Fertilizer (Feeding)

Use a succulent fertilizer to twice feed the String of Nickels Plant throughout the growing season. Feeding should be done carefully because it is not a heavy feeder.

Feeding should be avoided during the winter because growth is very slow. Learn more about feeding houseplants.

There won't be a need for fertilizer if your string nickels plant grows in potting soil that is high in humus. To make up for any essential nutrient deposits that the soil seems to be missing, though, is necessary. During a growing season, you can experiment with Miracle-Gro plant food for succulents, ideally once every two weeks. To prevent burning the roots, use the liquid fertilizer half as strong. Prior to use, it is best to follow the directions on the label as it needs to be balanced. You can only apply the fertilizer once a year, at the beginning of the growing season, if your string of nickels doesn't seem to be in too much need.

Repot

Since String of Nickels' root system is not extensive, repotting is not frequently required. Only when the plant starts to crowd out its current pot at the start of the growing season should you repot it.

To prevent soggy soil, which can cause root-rot disease, use a pot that is one size larger than the current one and make sure it has a drainage hole.

To avoid the stems rotting, plant them in a shallow pot and take care not to bury them.

Soil

For the String of Nickels Plant, the ideal soil should be nutrient-rich, loose, and well-draining to prevent soggy soil. The soil should be sufficiently loose to allow water to drain out quickly.

Cactus and Succulents Soil is the best because it drains well because the String of Nickels Plant is susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes soggy (retains too much water).

Prune

To keep the plant neat and orderly, pruning the string of nickels plant entails removing any dead stems and leaves. If the stems start to become straggly at the start of the growing season, trim them to stimulate growth.

There won't be much to do during the routine maintenance and grooming. Initially, you must remove any leaves that seem wilted, pale, or diseased. If you want to prevent spreading bacterial or fungal infections to the plant, use sterilized pruning shears. To encourage new growth, trim stems that appear leggy.

If you notice any wilting leaves, check them out. If the answer is yes, it's possible that you're submerging your nickel string. Always wear safety equipment when pruning. Open wounds on the leaves will ooze some sap, which, when consumed, can irritate the skin or upset the stomach. Therefore, it is best to grow this epiphyte away from children and pets. Perhaps there are additional reasons why the plant has been grown in hanging baskets for so long.

String of Nickels Propagation

The string of nickels plant can be quickly multiplied using stem cuttings. Furthermore, you can complete this exercise on your own without having a lot of gardening experience. The alternative would be seed-based propagation. The drawback of using seeds is that they might take a little longer than stem cuttings to germination and growth into mature plants. You must leave the mother plant's cuttings outside after taking them so they have time to heal from their wounds.

At the start of the growing season, stem cuttings from the String of Nickels Plant can be multiplied.

Cut stems from a thriving String of Nickels plant at a length of 3 to 5 inches. Make sure each cutting has two to three leaf nodes.

To prevent rotting, give the cuttings about 7 days to dry (callus).

Lay the string on top of the soil and lightly press the leaf nodes into the soil, or press the cut end into some moist, well-draining soil.

Make sure the rooting container has enough drainage holes to keep the soil from getting too wet because that could cause rotting.

As long as the cuttings are not rooted, keep the setup moist and in a warm, well-lit area.

Before transplanting the new String of Nickels Plant, allow significant growth. Then, start providing routine care.

Dischidia Nummularia Problems Indoors

String of Nickels Plant Dying

There could be a number of causes for the demise of Dischidia nummularia. One explanation is the root-rot disease, which is brought on by wet soil.

In order to prevent the soil from becoming wet, make sure the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is freely draining.

Additionally, water less during the colder months to keep the soil just moist because the plant uses less water than it would when it is actively growing because growth is minimal.

Dropping Leaves

Dropping (falling) leaves on the String of Nickels Plant can occur for a number of different reasons. Watering with ice-cold irrigation systems is one factor in leaf drop.

To prevent shocking this tropical plant, water it with water that is at room temperature.

Underwatering is the second reason for leaves to drop (fall) at String of Nickels Plant.

Water it sparingly, allowing the top 2-3 inches. of soil to dry out between waterings but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.

Yellowing Leaves

The leaves of the String of Nickels Plant (Dischidia nummularia) can turn yellow for a variety of reasons, including excessive watering, poor soil quality, pest infestation, insufficient light, and underfeeding.

Brown Dry Leaf Spots

The String of Nickels Plant's brown, dry leaf spots are caused by underwatering. During the growing season, water the String of Nickels Plant sparingly and let the soil dry out in between applications. Keep the soil from completely drying out.

Shrivelled (wilted and Discolored) Leaves

Overwatering during the cold season is the cause of the shriveled (wilted and discolored) leaves on the String of Nickels Plant.

Since growth is at its lowest during the cold season, water the plant much less to keep the soil just barely moist.

Additionally, make sure the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil.

Rotting at Base of the Stem

Indicators of basal stem rot disease, which is brought on by excessive moisture, include rotting plant bases and stems collapsing in String of Nickels Plant. When the weather gets cold, avoid overwatering. To grow new plants, propagate the top stem while discarding the infected components.

Elongated Stems

Overwatering during the cold season causes elongated stems in String of Nickels plants; water less and keep the soil just moist.

During the growing season, elongated stems are caused by insufficient light.

String of Nickels Plant needs a lot of bright light, including some morning sun. In an effort to reach the light source, plants that receive insufficient light will develop flimsy, elongated stems.

Diseases & Pests

Diseases

Plant ailments like Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spot, also known as the "String of Nickels." To stop the disease from spreading to other indoor plants, isolate the affected plant and give it the proper medical care.

Pests

Plant pests like Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Scale Insects, and Spider Mites are called "String of Nickels." To prevent the spread of the pests to other houseplants, isolate the afflicted plant and give it the necessary pest control measures.

Is String of Nickels Plant Toxic?

The milky sap from the String of Nickels plant (Dischidia nummularia) can irritate the skin. Handling your String of Nickels plant requires that you always wear gloves. If ingested, it is regarded as poisonous for both people and animals.

Additional Growing Tips

The string of nickels (dischidia nummularia) is an uncommon houseplant, so you might run into some difficulties and challenges when trying to find one. If you are still able to obtain this plant, you will appreciate the fact that it thrives in almost any environment within the home.

The string of nickels is not a succulent that needs extremely bright and sunny environments. Even dim lighting appeals to it.

For a unique tabletop display, you might want to mount it to a mass of sphagnum moss. It can also be grown in an outdoor garden during the summer, but keep in mind that it thrives indoors, where it can be used to decorate your home or office.

Here are additional tips that will help you during the start of your journey of growing a string of nickels:

Choose the Perfect Location

You will have an easier time growing the string of nickels indoors because of its low light requirements. They enjoy north, west, and east-facing windows, so keep that in mind when deciding on the ideal location for it indoors.

Under artificial lighting, the plant also thrives. Bathrooms and kitchens are also ideal locations for the string of nickels because they enjoy humid environments.

Give the Plant Filtered Light Outdoors

The string of nickels can grow in filtered light, so keep that in mind if you decide to grow it outside. It is also advantageous to grow this plant in hanging baskets on patios and covered porches.

Be aware that the string of nickels is a delicate plant that needs to be shielded from strong winds, torrential rain, and direct sunlight. Being a tropical plant, it is unable to withstand frost. When grown in USDA zones 11 or 12, you can anticipate this succulent to thrive best at temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Retain Moisture Without Overwatering the Plant

The string of nickels needs to be evenly moistened without needing to be overwatered. The cause is that excessive watering can result in issues like root rots.

More About the String of Nickels

The tropical epiphyte known as the "string of nickels" is popular among homeowners due to its simple maintenance needs. The succulent is frequently grown as a houseplant since it cannot tolerate conditions of frost. You could only grow them outdoors if the weather was consistently warm and there weren't many noticeable temperature variations. You must constantly meet this plant's humidity requirements because it is accustomed to tropical climates.

It's best to transplant this epiphytic succulent every year because it can become rootbound when grown in a hanging basket. The typical spread and trailing length of the string of nickels plant is between 8 and 10 inches. The leaves are round, succulent, and appear to be very small. The foliage has an olive green to bronze hue when it's healthy, with the exception of times when it has been burned by the sun's intense heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do String of Nickels Grow Fast?

String of nickels do not require pruning, but because they grow quickly, you can trim and shape them if they grow too large.

How Often Should You Water the String of Nickels?

The string of nickels is a succulent and can hold onto water, so even though it prefers its soil to be moist the majority of the time, you must make sure that it dries out a little after watering before giving it another session.

In that case, you can just regularly mist your string of nickels, allowing it to absorb moisture through the leaf. Another general guideline is to water it once a week or every four days, but first check the soil to see if it needs water. If the top two inches of soil become dry, it likely needs water.

Is String of Nickels a Hoya?

The climbing epiphytic plant Dischidia Nummularia is a member of the genus Dischidia. It grows on tree trunks frequently and has tiny leaves with opposite lens shapes. Dischidia is closely aligned with the sister genus Hoya.

Conclusion

You can grow even more in love with your plant and garden collection by growing a string of nickels. Being a prolific grower is a plus for this trailing succulent. If the conditions are ideal, it can even produce flowers, healthy growth, and cuttings for propagation.