About String of Nickels
A charming Philippine native epiphyte with long, cascading stems lined with small, round, coin-shaped leaves that perfectly explain its 'String of Nickels' nickname. In the wild, it grows on tree branches and trunks in Philippine forests, producing tiny white or yellowish flowers. As a houseplant, its delicate trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets and mounted displays — a living curtain of tiny green coins. String of Nickels belongs to the Apocynaceae family and originates from Native to the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. Found growing wild on trees in Philippine tropical forests..
String of Nickels is a Philippine native plant that grows wild in forests throughout the archipelago — from the Sierra Madre mountains to Mindanao's rainforests. Despite being native, many Filipino plant enthusiasts are only recently discovering it thanks to the plantita/plantito movement. Available at Quezon Avenue nurseries, online plant groups on Facebook, and Shopee sellers who often collect from sustainable sources. It's a source of national plant pride — a beautiful native epiphyte that holds its own against any imported exotic.
Also known as: Button Orchid, Nickel Vine.
Popular Varieties
- Dischidia nummularia (standard green coin-leaf form)
- Dischidia nummularia 'Ideaminubu' (slightly larger, rounder leaves)
- Dischidia ruscifolia (Million Hearts — related species, heart-shaped leaves)
- Dischidia ovata (Watermelon Dischidia — oval leaves with veining)
How to Plant String of Nickels in the Philippines
String of Nickels can be propagated through stem cuttings, layering. The recommended method is stem cuttings in moist sphagnum moss.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut 10-15 cm lengths of healthy stem with several leaf pairs.
- Step 2: Lay cuttings on top of moist sphagnum moss in a shallow container.
- Step 3: Lightly press nodes into the moss — do not bury the stems.
- Step 4: Cover loosely with plastic to maintain humidity.
- Step 5: Mist every 2-3 days. Roots develop at the nodes in 2-4 weeks.
- Step 6: Once rooted, mount on driftwood, cork, or pot in an epiphyte-friendly mix.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to filtered light (mimics its natural canopy-filtered forest habitat). Position your string of nickels where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water sparingly — let the moss or growing medium dry almost completely between waterings. Mist the foliage 2-3 times a week instead of drenching. As an epiphyte, it absorbs moisture from the air. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 24-33°C (perfectly at home in Philippine temperatures year-round). High humidity preferred — naturally adapted to Philippine tropical humidity. Struggles in air-conditioned rooms without regular misting. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing string of nickels outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Very light feeding — dilute balanced fertilizer to one-quarter strength and apply monthly during the rainy season.
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. Trim overly long trailing stems to maintain shape. Pinch tips to encourage branching.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Shriveling or wrinkling leaves
Cause: Underwatering or extremely low humidity
Solution: Increase misting frequency. Soak the entire mount or basket in water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Yellowing and mushy stems
Cause: Overwatering or sitting in wet soil
Solution: This epiphyte needs excellent air circulation around roots. Switch to a mounted display or very airy mix. Reduce watering drastically.
Slow or no growth
Cause: Insufficient light or nutrients
Solution: Move closer to a bright window. Apply diluted fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Stems breaking off
Cause: Rough handling — stems are thin and fragile
Solution: Handle gently when watering. Use the broken pieces as cuttings for propagation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for String of Nickels in the Philippines?
String of Nickels needs bright indirect light to filtered light (mimics its natural canopy-filtered forest habitat). Water sparingly — let the moss or growing medium dry almost completely between waterings. mist the foliage 2-3 times a week instead of drenching. as an epiphyte, it absorbs moisture from the air.. Feed with very light feeding — dilute balanced fertilizer to one-quarter strength and apply monthly during the rainy season.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 24-33°C (perfectly at home in Philippine temperatures year-round) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate String of Nickels?
The recommended method is stem cuttings in moist sphagnum moss. Cut 10-15 cm lengths of healthy stem with several leaf pairs. Lay cuttings on top of moist sphagnum moss in a shallow container.
Is String of Nickels toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can String of Nickels grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, String of Nickels grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing String of Nickels?
Common issues include: Shriveling or wrinkling leaves (caused by underwatering or extremely low humidity — increase misting frequency. soak the entire mount or basket in water for 10 minutes, then drain well); Yellowing and mushy stems (caused by overwatering or sitting in wet soil — this epiphyte needs excellent air circulation around roots. switch to a mounted display or very airy mix. reduce watering drastically); Slow or no growth (caused by insufficient light or nutrients — move closer to a bright window. apply diluted fertilizer monthly during the growing season).
Growing string of nickels in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!