String of Coins

dischidia nummularia

Also known as: ["Coin Plant","Money Leaf"]

Family: Apocynaceae Genus: Dischidia Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A trailing epiphytic vine with round, coin-like leaves native to tropical regions.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Dischidia
Botanical Name: Dischidia nummularia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor hanging basket or mounted on a bark slab
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Collectors & Enthusiasts
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light; protect from intense direct sun to prevent leaf burn; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright, indirect light

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; avoid placing near south-facing windows in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in cooler months; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-draining, peat-based potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid prolonged exposure to extremes.

Avoid drafts; maintain stable temperatures; protect from sudden drops.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings with nodes; air layering for larger plants.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem.
  2. Cut below node.
  3. Remove lower leaves.
  4. Apply hormone (optional).
  5. Plant in medium.
  6. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or sphagnum moss.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.

Quick Tips

Use stems with multiple nodes; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth, dead leaves, and overgrown stems to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for nutrient replenishment.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging; focus on the root zone and avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf curl in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced water uptake.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Dischidia nummularia can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Dischidia nummularia may result from underwatering, overwatering, or root damage, impacting the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Dischidia nummularia may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, reducing photosynthetic capacity and potentially leading to leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Dischidia nummularia due to excessive moisture or poor drainage, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Dischidia nummularia is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent overconsumption, though the plant is not toxic.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Dischidia nummularia is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent overconsumption, though the plant is not toxic.
Humans
Non-toxic

Dischidia nummularia is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for ingestion in small quantities.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Dischidia nummularia?

A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7-10 days.

Q: Does Dischidia nummularia need direct sunlight?

A: It prefers bright, indirect light; avoid prolonged direct sunlight.

Q: Can Dischidia nummularia be grown in a hanging basket?

A: Yes, its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves.

Quick Reference
Family: Apocynaceae
Care: easy
Light: bright, indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","collectors/enthusiasts"]
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