String Of Nickels Variegated (Dischidia Oiantha) – Rare

Selling size: well-rooted plant | 2.5″ Pot Included | Secure Packing 

The ‘String of Nickels’ variegated, or Dischidia oiantha variegata, is a beautiful and relatively easy-to-care-for trailing plant. Its common name comes from its small, round, and flat leaves that look like a string of coins. The variegated version adds a lovely creamy white or silver edge to the green foliage. As an epiphyte, it grows on other plants in its native environment and requires specific care to mimic these conditions.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to caring for your Dischidia oiantha variegata:

Light

• Bright, Indirect Light: This is the most important factor for maintaining the variegation and health of your plant. Place it in a location that receives plenty of bright, filtered light. A few feet away from a south-facing window or in an east- or west-facing window is often ideal.
• Avoid Direct Sun: The variegated parts of the leaves are more susceptible to sunburn. Direct sunlight will easily scorch the foliage, causing brown, crispy spots.
• Low Light: While it can survive in lower light, the variegation may fade, and the plant’s growth will become slower and more leggy.

Watering

• Allow Soil to Dry Out: As an epiphyte with semi-succulent leaves, this plant is quite drought-tolerant and very sensitive to overwatering. Let the potting medium dry out almost completely between waterings.
• Check Before Watering: You can test the moisture level by inserting your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water Thoroughly: When you do water, soak the medium completely until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This ensures all the roots receive moisture.

Humidity

• High Humidity is a Bonus: Coming from a tropical environment, the ‘String of Nickels’ appreciates high humidity, but it can adapt to average household humidity levels.
• Increase Humidity: If you notice brown, crispy leaf tips, it may be a sign that the air is too dry. You can increase humidity by:
  • Using a humidifier.
  • Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
  • Misting the plant (while this is a temporary fix, it’s generally safe for this plant).

Soil and Fertilizer

• Well-Draining, Airy Medium: The most critical factor in keeping this plant healthy is using the right potting medium. Avoid standard potting soil. Instead, use a very well-draining, airy mix that mimics its natural environment.
• Good Mediums: An excellent mix can include coconut husk chunks, orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of sphagnum moss.
• Fertilizer: This plant is not a heavy feeder. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed it with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength, every 2-4 weeks. Alternatively, you can change the potting medium annually to provide fresh nutrients.

Other Care Tips

• Temperature: The plant thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C-29°C). Protect it from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Pruning: You can trim the long, trailing stems to encourage bushier growth and to maintain a desired length.
• Propagation: It’s very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting with a few nodes and place it in a well-draining medium like sphagnum moss or perlite to root.
• Toxicity: The sap of Dischidia plants can be a skin irritant. It’s best to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.