String of Nickels
Dischidia nummularia
N/A
About this plant
Dischidia nummularia, commonly called String of Nickels, is a trailing succulent vine with small, round, coin-shaped leaves that grow along thin stems. It is popular as a decorative houseplant due to its attractive foliage and easy care. This plant naturally grows on trees in tropical regions, making it an epiphyte that prefers good air circulation and indirect light. It is often used in hanging baskets or mounted displays.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Dischidia
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Gentianales
- Plant type
- Houseplant
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Southeast Asia
- Distribution
- Native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines; cultivated worldwide as a houseplant.
Care
- Light preference
- Bright indirect
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 5–10 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 18-26 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 10-12
- Soil pH
- 5.5-7.0
- Soil type
- well-draining potting mix, such as orchid mix or cactus soil
Watering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows down.
Dischidia nummularia is a hardy and easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It is low maintenance and rarely faces serious problems if basic care is followed.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings
- Care difficulty
- Easy
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring
Attractive round, succulent leaves resembling coins; small, star-shaped flowers in spring; trailing vine form ideal for hanging pots.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets, making it safe for homes with children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- None
Dischidia nummularia is generally safe and unlikely to cause allergies. However, people with sensitive skin should avoid direct contact with the plant's sap to prevent mild irritation. There is no significant pollen allergy risk.
Common problems
Overwatering can cause root rot, and too little light may lead to leggy growth. Occasionally, pests like mealybugs may appear but are easy to manage.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental houseplant for its attractive trailing foliage and ease of care.
Notes
Prune occasionally to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Repot every 2-3 years or when roots outgrow the container. Sensitive to overwatering, so ensure good drainage.