String Of Nickels

If you’re looking for a unique and elegant trailing plant, the string of nickels is a fantastic choice. This rare trailing succulent plant is a true gem for collectors and beginners alike, with its distinctive coin-shaped leaves.

Its botanical name is Dischidia nummularia, and it’s an epiphyte. That means in its native Southeast Asian and Australian habitats, it grows on trees rather than in soil. This gives us a big clue about how to care for it at home. It’s not the fastest grower, but with the right conditions, it will reward you with long, beautiful strands.

This plant’s charm is all in its foliage. The leaves are small, round, and flat, just like a stack of old coins on a string. They’re a soft green to gray-green color and have a slightly succulent texture. The stems are thin and wiry, capable of trailing several feet over time.

It does flower, though it’s not the main event. The blooms are tiny, white, and fuzzy. They’re cute, but most people grow this plant for its stunning leaf display.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Getting the environment right is the key to a healthy string of nickels. Because it’s an epiphyte, its needs are a bit different from your average houseplant.

Light Requirements

Bright, indirect light is perfect. Think of the dappled sunlight it would get under a forest canopy.

A north or east-facing window is often ideal.
You can also use a south or west window if you filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown.
Too little light will lead to sparse growth and larger gaps between the leaves.

Temperature & Humidity

This plant prefers warmth and appreciates higher humidity, reflecting its tropical origins.

Keep it in a room between 60°F and 80°F (15°C – 27°C).
Protect it from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Average home humidity is okay, but it will thrive with more. A bathroom with a window is a great spot.
You can group it with other plants or use a small humidifier nearby.

Planting and Potting Mix

This is where many people go wrong. Do not use a standard potting soil. It holds too much moisture and will cause the roots to rot.

You need a very airy, fast-draining, and chunky mix. Here are a couple of good options:

Orchid Mix: A fine-grade orchid bark mix works wonderfully on its own.
DIY Mix: Combine equal parts orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir or sphagnum moss.

Choose a pot with excellent drainage holes. Shallow pots or orchid pots with slits are excellent because they promote air flow to the roots. Terracotta pots are also a good choice as they wick away extra moisture.

Watering Your Plant Correctly

Watering is the most critical part of care. The string of nickels stores water in its leaves, so it’s drought-tolerant. It’s much better to underwater than overwater.

Check the Medium: Let the potting mix dry out almost completely between waterings. For chunky bark, this means waiting until it feels dry.
Soak Thoroughly: When you do water, take the pot to the sink and soak it thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes. This mimics a tropical rain shower.
Let it Drain: Make sure all excess water drains away completely. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of water.
Reduce in Winter: Water less frequently during the cooler, darker winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.

A sign of overwatering is soft, mushy, or yellowing leaves. Underwatering will cause the leaves to shrivel, become crispy, or fall off.

Fertilizing for Growth

This plant is not a heavy feeder. A little fertilizer during the active growing season (spring and summer) is plenty.

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) or one formulated for orchids or air plants.
Dilute it to half or even a quarter of the recommended strength on the bottle.
Apply it once a month at most. You can skip fertilizing entirely in fall and winter.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps maintain a bushy, full appearance. If your strands get too long or leggy, simply trim them back with clean scissors.

The good news is those trimmings are easy to propagate! Here’s how to make new plants:

Take a cutting that has at least a few pairs of leaves.
You can lay the cutting on top of moist sphagnum moss or a bark mix. Press the nodes gently into the medium.
Keep the medium slightly moist (not wet) and provide bright, indirect light.
You can also place cuttings in a jar of water, but be extra careful when transplanting the fragile water roots to bark.
In a few weeks, you should see new root growth. Once the roots are established, you can treat it like a mature plant.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellowing or Mushy Leaves

This is almost always a sign of overwatering. Check the roots. If they are brown and soft, you have root rot.

Cut away all rotted roots and stems with sterile tools.
Repot the healthy remaining parts into fresh, dry bark mix.
Wait at least a week before watering very lightly to encourage new roots.

Shriveling or Crispy Leaves

This usually means underwatering or extremely low humidity.

Give the plant a good soak and see if the leaves plump up in a day or two.
Consider increasing humidity around the plant.

Pests

Mealybugs and aphids can sometimes be a problem. They look like small white cottony spots or tiny green insects.

Isolate the affected plant immediately.
Wipe the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
For larger infestations, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, following the product instructions carefully.

Display Ideas for Your Trailing Beauty

This plant’s trailing habit makes it perfect for elevated displays. The long stems of round leaves look amazing when they can cascade down.

Place it on a high shelf or in a hanging basket.
Use a macramé hanger near a bright window.
Let it trail from the top of a tall plant stand.
It also makes a beautiful living wreath when trained onto a wire frame filled with moss.

FAQ Section

Is the string of nickels plant rare?
Yes, it’s considered a less common houseplant compared to its cousins like the string of pearls or string of hearts. You might need to check specialty nurseries or online plant shops.

How fast does string of nickels grow?
It has a moderate to slow growth rate. Don’t expect rapid growth; with good care, you might see a few inches of new trail over a growing season.

Can I grow string of nickels in water?
You can propagate cuttings in water, but long-term growth is better in an airy medium like orchid bark. Keeping it in water permanently can lead to weak roots.

Why are my string of nickels leaves falling off?
Leaf drop can be caused by a few things. The most common are overwatering or a sudden change in environment, like a move to a new location with different light or temperature.

What’s the difference between string of nickels and string of coins?
They are often used interchangeably, but “string of coins” sometimes refers to Peperomia prostrata, which has smaller, darker leaves. Always check the botanical name to be sure you’re getting Dischidia nummularia.

Is it a pet friendly plant?
The string of nickels is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but it’s always best to keep any plant out of reach of curious pets to avoid stomach upset.

Caring for a string of nickels is a rewarding experience. Its unique apperance is a surefire conversation starter. By mimicking its natural epiphytic conditions—bright indirect light, a chunky potting mix, and careful watering—you can enjoy this rare and beautiful trailer for many years. Remember, patience is key with this special succulent.