String of Nickels | Dischidia Nummularia

In for a penny, in for a pound… But how about a nickel? The String of Nickels offers long, trailing stems studded with round, succulent leaves that resemble tiny coins. This epiphyte is great for bright bathrooms, hanging displays, and cozy reading nooks.

Also called a Button Orchid, the String of Nickels’ leaves are small, round to slightly heart-shaped, glossy, and succulent-like. The overall effect is a curtain of green coins that drapes beautifully from hanging baskets, wall mounts, or high shelves. Colors range from bright green to olive — with some cultivars showing faint variegation or silvery sheen. Use it in a suspended basket, on a mounted wooden plaque, or trailing from a tall plant stand. Pair with trailing pothos or compact ferns for layered texture, and avoid placing it where its delicate stems might be knocked.

String of Nickels is a trailing epiphyte that can reach 1 to 3 m of vine length in favorable conditions, though typical indoor ones trail 50 to 150 cm. It grows by producing long, flexible stems with closely spaced leaves. It does not climb aggressively but will cling to mounts if provided. Growth rate is moderate and new shoots appear fastest in warm, humid months and slow in cooler seasons. For hanging baskets, use 12 to 20 cm pots. When mounting on boards, plant several cuttings close together for a fuller cascade.

The Dischidia Nummularia prefers bright, indirect light. Filtered morning sun from the window is ideal. It tolerates medium light but will stretch and thin out in low light. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch leaves. It adapts well to bright bathrooms and covered outdoor patios in warm climates. Windows can work if the plant is placed a few metres back or shielded with a sheer curtain. Under fluorescent or grow lights, it also performs well for shelves or offices with limited natural light.

Water your String of Nickels when the top 2 to 3 cm of the medium is dry (typically every 7 to 14 days depending on temperature and humidity). Use a well-draining mix (orchid bark, perlite, and peat/coco) to mimic its epiphytic nature. It likes moderate to high humidity, around 50–70%, and occasional misting or grouping with other plants helps. Feed monthly with a diluted balanced fertiliser during growth season. Avoid waterlogging and cold drafts. Best keep this plant out of reach from children and pets. The leaves may be toxic, and the plant also poses a hazard when pulled down from hanging locations.

A hanging String of Nickels adds calm and a sense of flowing motion to interiors, which can reduce visual stress and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Its cascading form softens hard lines and makes vertical spaces feel greener without taking floor space, improving perceived airiness. As an epiphyte, it transpires gently, raising local humidity and easing dry air discomfort, especially in heated rooms. Caring for a trailing plant (pruning, misting, and watching new growth) offers rituals that support mental well-being and reduce anxiety.

• Versatile Display: On shelves or hanging pots.
• Occasional Droughts: More forgiving of irregular watering.
• Home in Humid: Thrives in humid spots like bathrooms.
• More, More, More!: Easy propagation from cuttings.

Get your very own right this instant! The String of Nickels brings year-round charm with little fuss. We’re sure it won’t ever disappoint.

• Size at dispatch: 25 cm in height, and comes in a 14 cm pot
• Care level: Easy to Medium
• Pet safety: Sap may be toxic when ingested