Dischidia nummularia (Pebble Beach/ Button Orchid)

Plant Size: Single plant | 2.5″  Pot Included  | Free Shipping

he Dischidia nummularia, commonly known as the String of Nickels, Pebble Beach plant, or Button Orchid, is a charming epiphyte with trailing stems covered in small, round, succulent-like leaves. It’s a great choice for hanging baskets and is known for being relatively easy to care for, especially for those familiar with Hoyas, as they are related.

Here is a comprehensive guide to caring for your Dischidia nummularia:

Light

• Bright, Indirect Light: This is the ideal condition for a healthy Dischidia nummularia. It thrives in bright, filtered light, mimicking its natural habitat where it grows under a tree canopy.
• Avoid Direct Sun: While it can tolerate a few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun, too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown.
• Low Light: The plant can survive in lower light, but its growth will be much slower, and the leaves may become smaller and more spaced out.

Watering

• Allow Soil to Dry Out: As an epiphyte with succulent-like leaves, this plant is drought-tolerant and very susceptible to root rot if overwatered. The key is to let the potting medium dry out almost completely between waterings.
• Check Before Watering: You can check the moisture level by feeling the weight of the pot or by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Thorough Watering: When you do water, do it thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This ensures that all of the roots receive moisture.

Humidity

• High Humidity is Preferred: This tropical plant appreciates high humidity (50% or higher), but it can adapt to average household humidity levels.
• Increase Humidity: If you live in a dry climate, especially during the winter, you can increase the humidity around the plant by using a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants.

Soil and Fertilizer

• Well-Draining, Airy Medium: Do not use standard potting soil. The Dischidia nummularia is an epiphyte and needs a very loose, well-draining, and airy potting medium that mimics its natural growing conditions.
• Good Mediums: An excellent mix can include coconut husk chunks, orchid bark, perlite, or sphagnum moss.
• Fertilizer: This plant is not a heavy feeder. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half or even quarter strength, every 2-4 weeks. You can also simply change the potting medium every year to provide fresh nutrients.

Other Care Tips

• Temperature: It thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 60-85°F (15-29°C). Protect it from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Pruning: You can trim back the long, trailing stems to maintain the plant’s shape and encourage a bushier, fuller appearance.
• Propagation: It is very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting with a few leaves and a node, let the cut end callus over for a day, and then place it in a well-draining medium like sphagnum moss to root.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like mealybugs and spider mites.
• Toxicity: The sap of Dischidia nummularia can be a skin irritant. It is best to keep it out of reach of pets and children.