String of Nickels Care (Dischidia nummularia)

This epiphytic species prefers bright, indirect light that mimics dappled forest conditions.

• Provide 6–8 hours of bright, filtered light each day, such as near an east or bright north window, or under 30–50% shade cloth outdoors.
• Allow gentle early morning sun but protect from strong midday or afternoon sun, which can cause leaf scorch, yellowing, or crispy patches on String of Nickels.
• In winter, move the plant closer to bright windows or supplement with grow lights if stems stretch or leaf spacing increases, indicating low light.

Dischidia nummularia prefers light, even moisture with brief drying between waterings.

• Water when the top 2–3 cm of the mix feels dry and the pot feels noticeably lighter, rather than on a fixed schedule.
• Use a very free-draining mix and containers or mounts with excellent drainage so excess water runs out quickly and roots do not sit in soggy media.
• Reduce watering in cooler months when growth slows, watching for shriveling leaves as a sign of underwatering and yellow, mushy leaves as a sign of overwatering.

This plant thrives in consistently warm, frost-free conditions with only mild temperature swings.

• Aim for 65–80°F (18–27°C) for best growth, similar to a warm, shaded tropical understory environment.
• Protect from cold; growth slows below 60°F (16°C), and damage can occur near 40°F (4°C), with any frost likely to kill foliage and stems.
• Tolerate short heat spells up to about 90°F (32°C) if humidity is moderate and airflow is good, but avoid hot, dry drafts or surfaces that can overheat roots.

This epiphytic species prefers moderately high humidity for compact, healthy foliage.

• Aim for 50–70% humidity; it tolerates brief dips lower but prolonged very dry air leads to leaf edge browning and shriveling.
• Watch for curling, thin leaves and stalled growth as signs of humidity stress in String of Nickels.
• Increase humidity with a nearby tray of water and pebbles, grouping plants, or a small cool-mist humidifier rather than misting heavily.

This plant needs a very airy, fast-draining substrate that mimics its natural epiphytic habitat.

• Use a chunky mix such as 40% fine orchid bark, 30% perlite or pumice, and 30% peat-based or coco coir medium for Dischidia nummularia.
• Aim for slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.0–7.0, which supports nutrient uptake without risking toxicity.
• Keep the texture open and loose; large pores allow roots to access oxygen and dry slightly between waterings, preventing rot.
• Avoid dense garden soil, heavy peat slurries, or mixes that stay wet for more than 3–4 days after watering.

This species is very suitable for container growing, especially in hanging or wall-mounted pots.

• Choose shallow but wide containers to match the surface-hugging root system and encourage trailing stems to cascade over the rim.
• Use rigid, stable hanging pots or wall planters that will not tip as the plant becomes unevenly weighted on one side.
• Select breathable materials like terracotta if overwatering is a risk, or plastic if faster drying is a concern in very arid homes.

This epiphytic succulent needs only light feeding to stay healthy, so avoid heavy or frequent fertilization for String of Nickels.

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (around 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to 25–50% strength.
• Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, when growth is most active.
• Skip compost-heavy mixes; choose a low-salt formula suited to epiphytes or succulents.
• Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows and roots are less active.

Pruning Dischidia nummularia is mainly used to control length and keep the plant tidy in hanging baskets or mounted displays.

• Trim in late winter or early spring, before the main growth flush starts.
• Remove dead, yellowing, or damaged stems first, then cut back overly long or tangled shoots.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or small pruning shears to make neat cuts just above a node.
• Moderate pruning encourages bushier growth and more evenly filled cascades, without harming plant health.

This species prefers slightly tight conditions and is usually repotted only when clearly rootbound or declining.

• Check for roots circling the pot, escaping drainage holes, or potting mix that dries out extremely fast as signs to move up.
• Plan repotting for spring, every 2–3 years, when active growth helps the plant recover.
• Choose a shallow pot with excellent drainage and a very airy mix, such as orchid bark with some perlite and a little peat or coco coir.
• Handle roots gently, keep the old root ball mostly intact, and water lightly after repotting to limit transplant shock.

New plants are most often produced from stem cuttings, which root reliably in warm, humid conditions.

• Take 5–8 cm stem cuttings of Dischidia nummularia in late spring or summer, with at least 2–3 nodes per piece.
• Remove the lowest leaves and place nodes in contact with moist, airy medium such as sphagnum moss or a perlite mix.
• Maintain bright, indirect light, high humidity, and temperatures around 70–80°F for best rooting.
• Optionally use a rooting hormone on cut ends and provide gentle bottom warmth to speed root formation.

This tropical epiphyte is frost-sensitive and needs mild, protected conditions during winter in cooler climates.

• Keep temperatures above 55°F; prolonged exposure near freezing can kill foliage and stems.
• Grow outdoor container plants in summer only, then move them indoors before night temperatures drop below 60°F.
• Place indoors in bright, indirect light, reduce watering, and avoid cold drafts from windows or doors.