String Of Nickels

If you’re looking for a truly unique and low-maintenance houseplant, the string of nickels is a fantastic choice. This charming succulent, with its distinctive coin-shaped leaves, is perfect for adding a touch of greenery to any shelf or hanging basket.

Its care is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your plant thriving.

The string of nickels, scientifically known as *Dischidia nummularia*, is an epiphytic plant. This means in its natural habitat, it grows on other plants or trees for support, often in the warm, humid forests of Southeast Asia and Australia.

It’s not a parasite; it simply uses its host to get closer to light. The plant gets its common name from its small, round, and slightly concave leaves that resemble a string of coins. The leaves are a soft gray-green color and grow closely spaced along thin, trailing stems that can reach several feet in length.

Understanding its epiphytic nature is key to providing the right care. It prefers conditions that mimic its jungle origins: bright, indirect light, good air circulation, and a well-draining potting mix. When happy, it can produce tiny, yellowish-white flowers, though it’s primarily grown for its beautiful foliage.

Optimal Light Conditions

Getting the light right is the most important step for a healthy string of nickels. It needs plenty of bright, filtered light to maintain its compact growth and prevent the stems from becoming leggy as they stretch for the sun.

A spot near an east or west-facing window is usually perfect. Here, it will receive the gentle morning or afternoon sun without the harsh, direct rays that can scorch its delicate leaves. A south-facing window can work if the light is filtered by a sheer curtain.

If you notice the space between the leaves increasing, this is a clear sign it needs more light. Conversely, if the leaves start to look bleached or develop brown, crispy spots, it’s likely getting too much direct sunlight. In lower light conditions, growth will slow significantly.

Signs of Improper Lighting

Leggy, stretched stems with large gaps between leaves: Not enough light.
Leaves turning pale yellow or white: Too much intense, direct sun.
Brown, scorched patches on the leaves: Sunburn from direct exposure.
Very slow or no new growth: Insufficient light levels.

Choosing The Right Soil And Pot

Because it’s an epiphyte, a string of nickels requires a very airy and fast-draining potting medium. Standard potting soil will hold too much moisture and lead to root rot. The goal is to mimic the loose, organic matter it would find in tree bark crevices.

A perfect mix can be made by combining ingredients like orchid bark, perlite, coconut coir, and a small amount of succulent soil. This combination ensures excellent drainage and aeration around the roots. You can also use a high-quality pre-mixed orchid or epiphyte potting mix.

The choice of pot is equally important. Always use a container with multiple drainage holes. Terracotta pots are an excellent option because they are porous, allowing the soil to dry out more evenly. The pot should be relatively small, as these plants prefer to be slightly root-bound and a large pot holds moisture for too long.

Watering Your Plant Correctly

Watering is where most people encounter problems. The string of nickels is drought-tolerant and much more susceptible to overwatering than underwatering. You should allow the potting mix to dry out almost completely between waterings.

A good method is to check the weight of the pot or feel the soil an inch below the surface. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture. Then, empty the saucer underneath to prevent the plant from sitting in water.

During the active growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water once every 7-10 days, depending on your home’s humidity and light. In the fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce watering frequency significantly, perhaps only once every 3-4 weeks. The leaves will start to look slightly puckered or wrinkled when the plant is thirsty.

Check if the top inch of soil is completely dry.
Take the plant to a sink or use a watering can with a narrow spout.
Water slowly and evenly around the base of the plant until water flows from the drainage holes.
Let the pot drain completely before returning it to its decorative container or saucer.
Discard any excess water that collects in the outer container.

Ideal Temperature And Humidity

This plant thrives in average to warm household temperatures, similar to what most people find comfortable. Aim to keep it in an environment between 60°F and 80°F (15°C – 27°C). It’s crucial to protect it from cold drafts, such as those from air conditioning vents in summer or leaky windows in winter. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant.

Humidity is where you can really make your string of nickels happy. While it can adapt to average home humidity, it truly flourishes with higher moisture in the air. If your home is dry, especially during winter when heaters are running, there are simple ways to increase humidity.

Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot sits on the pebbles, not in the water).
Group it together with other humidity-loving plants.
Use a room humidifier placed nearby.
Occasionally misting the air around the plant can help, but avoid soaking the foliage, which can promote fungal issues.

Fertilizing For Healthy Growth

Fertilizing your string of nickels provides the nutrients it needs for steady growth and vibrant leaves. However, because it is a light feeder, a gentle approach is best. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.

Feed the plant only during its active growing period, which is typically from early spring through late summer. Applying fertilizer once a month is sufficient. There is no need to fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down. Over-fertilizing can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can harm the roots.

Pruning And Maintenance

Regular pruning helps maintain a full, attractive shape and encourages bushier growth. Without occasional trimming, the stems can become very long and sparse at the base. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to make your cuts.

You can trim back any stems that have become too long or leggy. Simply cut just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem). This will often encourage the plant to produce two new stems from that point, creating a fuller appearance. You can also remove any yellowing or dead leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.

Propagating New Plants

Propagating a string of nickels is a simple and rewarding process, allowing you to create new plants from your existing one. The easiest method is through stem cuttings. This is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Select a healthy stem with several leaves and use clean scissors to cut a piece 3-5 inches long.
Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the cutting to expose the nodes.
Allow the cut end to callous over for a few hours to a day to prevent rot.
Place the cutting in a small pot filled with a moist, well-draining propagation mix (like perlite and coir).
Keep the medium lightly moist and provide bright, indirect light. Roots should begin to develop in a few weeks.

You can also try laying a long stem across the surface of a new pot of soil, securing it lightly with a bent paperclip. Roots may form at the nodes in contact with the soil, a method called layering.

Common Pests And Problems

When provided with proper care, the string of nickels is relatively pest-resistant. However, like all houseplants, it can occasionally encounter issues. The most common problems are related to watering, but pests can also appear.

Yellowing or Mushy Leaves

This is almost always a sign of overwatering. The roots have become waterlogged and are beginning to rot. If you catch it early, stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. You may need to remove the plant from its pot, trim away any black, mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, dry, well-draining mix.

Mealybugs and Aphids

These sap-sucking pests can sometimes hide in the crevices between leaves. Mealybugs look like small bits of white cotton, while aphids are tiny green or black insects. Isolate the affected plant. You can remove them by dabbing with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by spraying the plant with a mild insecticidal soap or neem oil solution, making sure to cover all the nooks and crannies.

Leaves Wrinkling or Shriveling

This is a classic sign of underwatering or extremely low humidity. Give the plant a thorough drink and consider increasing the ambient humidity using one of the methods mentioned earlier. The leaves should plump back up within a day or two.

Display And Styling Ideas

The trailing nature of the string of nickels makes it a perfect candidate for elevated displays. Its cascading stems look beautiful when allowed to spill over the edges of a container.

Hanging Baskets: This is the most popular and effective way to show off its length. Choose a macramé hanger or a simple hook near a bright window.
High Shelves or Bookcases: Place the pot on a high shelf where the stems can trail down gracefully, adding a vertical element of greenery.
Terrariums: In a large, open terrarium with excellent ventilation, it can create a wonderful miniature landscape.
Mixed Planters: It can be combined with other succulents or trailing plants that have similar light and water needs, creating a textured arrangement.

Seasonal Care Considerations

Your care routine should adjust slightly with the changing seasons, as light levels and growth patterns shift.

Spring and Summer: This is the prime growing season. Your plant will appreciate more frequent watering (when dry), monthly diluted fertilizer, and can handle slightly brighter light. It’s also the best time for repotting or propagating.

Fall and Winter: Growth slows or stops as daylight decreases. Significantly reduce watering, allowing the soil to stay dry for longer periods. Completely stop fertilizing. Ensure the plant is away from cold drafts and heating vents, which can create dry, stressful conditions. You might need to move it to the brightest spot available to compensate for weaker winter sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the string of nickels plant toxic to pets?
Good news for pet owners: the string of nickels (Dischidia nummularia) is generally considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs. However, it’s always best to discourage pets from chewing on any houseplants.

How fast does string of nickels grow?
Under ideal conditions, it has a moderate growth rate. You can expect several inches of new growth along its trails during the spring and summer months. Growth will be much slower or dormant in the fall and winter.

Why are the leaves on my string of nickels falling off?
Leaf drop can be caused by a few factors. The most common is overwatering and root rot. A sudden change in environment (like moving it to a new location), extreme temperature fluctuations, or a severe pest infestation can also cause leaves to drop.

Can I grow a string of nickels in water?
While you can root stem cuttings in water, it is not recommended to grow the plant long-term in water. As an epiphyte, its roots need air circulation. Permanent water culture will likely lead to root rot and the eventual decline of the plant.

What’s the difference between string of nickels and string of coins?
This can be confusing! “String of nickels” typically refers to *Dischidia nummularia*. “String of coins” often refers to *Peperomia prostrata* or *Xerosicyos danguyi*, which have different care requirements. Always check the botanical name when purchasing to ensure you know which plant you have.