Dischidia nummularia (String of Nickels) Care & Growing Guide
Overview
Dischidia nummularia, commonly known as the String of Nickels, is a trailing or climbing epiphytic plant native to a broad range across tropical Asia and parts of Australia, including India, China, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, and northern Australia. In its natural habitat, it often grows on tree trunks and branches, forming cascading chains of round, coin-like leaves. This plant is appreciated for its unique foliage, adaptability to indoor conditions, and its intriguing relationship with ants in the wild, where hollow leaves can serve as tiny shelters for ant colonies.
Identification & Growth Habit
The String of Nickels has small, round, succulent-like leaves that resemble coins strung along slender, wiry stems. Leaves are typically green to gray-green, with a slightly leathery texture. As an epiphyte, it uses aerial roots to attach to surfaces such as bark, moss poles, or trellises. In cultivation, it can be grown as a hanging plant with trailing stems or trained to climb a support. Mature plants may produce small, inconspicuous flowers, but they are grown primarily for their foliage.
Trailing or Climbing
When left untrained, Dischidia nummularia naturally trails, making it ideal for hanging baskets. With support, such as a trellis or moss pole, it can also climb, using its aerial roots to anchor itself. This growth habit allows flexibility in styling and placement.
Light & Placement
Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth. A position near an east- or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a bright south- or west-facing window, works well. The plant can tolerate some dappled sunlight, especially in the morning, but avoid harsh midday or afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves. Low-light conditions can slow growth and reduce foliage density.
- Best indoors: Bright, filtered light near windows with sheer curtains.
- Outdoors (warm climates): Shaded patio or under a tree canopy.
Watering & Humidity
Water sparingly, allowing the top layer of the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in dense or poorly draining soil. During spring and summer, water more frequently to support active growth. In autumn and winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows.
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity but tolerates average indoor levels. Mist occasionally or use a humidifier for best results.
- Temperature: Maintain between 60–80°F (15–27°C). Protect from cold drafts and avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil & Repotting
Use a well-draining mix suited to epiphytic plants or succulents. A blend of orchid bark, coconut coir, and perlite promotes airflow around the roots and prevents waterlogging. Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, refreshing the mix to maintain drainage quality.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup, which can damage roots. Skip feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Pruning & Training
Prune to control length, encourage branching, and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut just above a node. For climbing growth, train stems onto a trellis, moss pole, or other support, securing gently with plant ties. For a fuller trailing display, pinch back tips to stimulate side shoots.
Propagation
The String of Nickels is easy to propagate from stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation
- Select a healthy vine and cut just below a node using sterilized scissors.
- Remove the bottom 2–3 leaves to expose nodes.
- Place the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss, ensuring nodes are submerged or in contact with the medium.
- Keep in a warm, bright location with indirect light.
- Roots should develop in a few weeks; transplant into a well-draining potting mix once established.
Common Problems
Pests
- Mealybugs: Appear as white, cottony masses. Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: Brown or tan bumps on stems/leaves. Scrape off gently and treat with horticultural oil.
- Spider mites: Fine webbing and stippled leaves. Increase humidity and use miticide if infestation persists.
Diseases
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Remove affected roots and repot in fresh, well-draining mix.
- Leaf drop: Often due to sudden temperature changes, low light, or prolonged drought.
Toxicity & Pet Safety
Dischidia nummularia is considered toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children, and avoid placing it where leaves may be chewed.
Styling & Decor Tips
- Hang in a basket to showcase cascading stems.
- Train onto a moss pole for a vertical accent in small spaces.
- Pair with contrasting-leaf plants for visual interest in mixed displays.
- Use in terrariums or mounted on driftwood for a naturalistic look, provided humidity is sufficient.
Varieties & Cultivars
While Dischidia nummularia is the most common form, some growers may encounter variegated types with cream or yellow leaf margins. These are less common and may require slightly brighter light to maintain variegation.
Buying Tips & Maturity
When purchasing, look for plants with firm, evenly colored leaves and no signs of pests. Avoid specimens with mushy stems or yellowing foliage. Young plants may take time to develop dense trailing growth; with proper care, mature vines can reach several feet in length.
Seasonal Care
- Spring/Summer: Active growth; water and feed regularly, provide bright light, and maintain higher humidity.
- Fall/Winter: Reduce watering, stop fertilizing, and protect from cold drafts. Light levels may need to be supplemented indoors.
FAQ
- How fast does String of Nickels grow? Growth rate is moderate; optimal light, warmth, and humidity encourage faster trailing or climbing.
- Can I grow it outdoors? Yes, in frost-free climates with bright, filtered light and protection from direct midday sun.
- Why are my leaves shriveling? Likely due to underwatering or very low humidity; check soil moisture and adjust care.
- Does it flower indoors? It may, but flowers are small and not the main ornamental feature.
- Can I mount it like an orchid? Yes, as an epiphyte it can be mounted on bark or driftwood, provided humidity and watering are managed carefully.
Troubleshooting Scenarios
- Leggy growth with wide spacing between leaves: Often due to insufficient light; move closer to a bright window or supplement with grow lights.
- Leaves turning pale or yellow while soil stays wet: Indicates overwatering; allow the medium to dry more between waterings and ensure adequate drainage.
- Brown, crispy leaf edges: Can result from low humidity or excessive direct sun; increase ambient moisture and adjust placement.
Advanced Pruning & Training Techniques
For intricate displays, consider weaving pliable stems through wire hoops or topiary frames, creating living sculptures. Sequential pruning—cutting back one section at a time—can maintain fullness while avoiding a bare appearance. When training vertically, periodically redirect new shoots to fill gaps, securing them loosely to supports to prevent stem damage.
Companion Plant Suggestions
- Hoya species: Share similar light and watering needs, complementing Dischidia’s form.
- Epiphytic ferns: Add contrasting textures in hanging arrangements.
- Tillandsia (air plants): Thrive in similar humidity and can be co-displayed on driftwood.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Season | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Early Spring | Resume fertilizing, inspect for winter pest buildup, refresh top layer of soil if compacted. |
| Mid-Summer | Monitor for rapid drying in heat, adjust watering frequency, prune for shape. |
| Autumn | Gradually reduce feeding, check indoor light levels as days shorten. |
| Winter | Protect from cold drafts, maintain humidity, avoid repotting unless necessary. |
Do & Don't List
- Do: Use sterilized tools for pruning to prevent disease spread.
- Do: Rotate the plant periodically for even light exposure.
- Don't: Let the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
- Don't: Place directly under heating vents, which dry the foliage.
