String Of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia)

Selling size: Well rooted plant in a Jiffy bag

The Dischidia nummularia, commonly known as the String of Nickels or Button Orchid, is a delightful and easy-to-care-for trailing epiphyte. Its common name comes from its small, round, coin-shaped leaves that densely cover its long, slender stems. As a relative of the Hoya, it shares a similar care routine, making it an excellent choice for a hanging basket.

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

Light

• Bright, Indirect Light: This is the most crucial factor for a healthy and thriving String of Nickels plant. It thrives in bright, filtered light, similar to how it would grow under a tree canopy in its natural tropical habitat. A few feet away from a sunny window or in an east- or west-facing window is often ideal.
• Avoid Direct Sun: Direct, harsh sunlight can easily scorch the delicate leaves, causing them to turn yellow, brown, or develop crispy spots.
• 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 semi-succulent leaves, this plant is quite drought-tolerant and very susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It’s crucial 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.
• Water Thoroughly: When you do water, do so thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This ensures that all of the roots receive moisture.

Humidity

• High Humidity is Preferred: Coming from a tropical climate, this plant appreciates high humidity (50% or higher). While it can adapt to average household humidity levels, it will be happier with more moisture in the air.
• Increase Humidity: If you live in a dry climate, 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 on tree bark.
• 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, and 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 can be a skin irritant. It’s best to keep it out of reach of pets and children.