Dischidia nummularia (String of Nickels)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Dischidia nummularia
- Common names: String of Nickles

Background & Origin
Dischidia nummularia is a tropical epiphytic succulent native to the forests of Southeast Asia. In the wild, it grows attached to trees, much like orchids, drawing moisture and nutrients from the humid air around it. Its small, round, flat green leaves resemble coins, giving rise to its common name, “String of Nickels.” In bright conditions, it can produce delicate white flowers, making it a charming trailing or climbing plant, often sold in its own hanging pot for easy display.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes!

What It Loves
- Bright indirect sunlight
- A consistent watering routine
- Some humidity

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Dry air
- Prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Living rooms
- Bathroom
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: Up 5-15 cm tall with time
- Typical spread: Up to 60-90 cm long
- Growth rate: Fast during spring and summer
- Pruning required: Occasional, to manage size or old foliage

Is This Plant Right for You?
- This plant is a great choice if you:
- If you want Instant impact: Trailing stems and movement.
- Have a bare shelf or hanging room

Light
- Best light: Bright indirect light
- Avoid: Strong, direct sunlight

Watering
- Frequency: Water when the top half of soil feels dry, using room temperature water.
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Always allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.

Humidity
- Prefers: medium to high humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: Yes, misting or placing near other plants can support healthy leaf growth.

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: Once or twice a month during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: No
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid damage to leaves.

Repotting
- How often: Every 2-3 years
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.