If you’re looking for an interesting and unusual houseplant to add to your collection, consider the string of coins plant. This quirky indoor plant is easy to care for and drought tolerant, making it an excellent option for those who don’t have a green thumb. Keep reading for more information on growing and caring for your own string of coins plant.
What is a string of coins plant?
The string of coins plant (Xerosicyos danguyi), also known as string of nickels or Ceropegia woodii, is a unique succulent that grows long vines. It’s commonly used in hanging baskets since the vines look great cascading over the edge.
Native to Africa and Madagascar, this unusual houseplant features thick, rounded leaves that grow one after another along a vine-like stem. The leaves are usually smooth, oval-shaped, and slightly concave. These plants are part of the Cucurbitaceae botanical family.
In its natural habitat, a string of coins plants can grow to be 2 feet long or longer, but indoors it will likely stay smaller. Left unpruned, this plant can become quite bushy, with leaves sprouting off the vine in all directions. Because of its unusual growth habits, string of coins is often used as a decorative or novelty houseplant.
How to care for a string of coins plant
As the string of coins plants are succulents, they are easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow a thriving plant that’s healthy and looks great:
Sunlight requirements
If you’re considering purchasing a string of coins houseplant, keep in mind that these plants prefer bright but indirect sunlight. Indirect light is best for keeping the plant healthy without letting it dry out. Too much direct light may cause the leaves to become sunburned or fade in color.
Temperature
The string of coins plant likes temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with 30 to 50 percent humidity levels. This makes it an excellent houseplant for those who live in warm, humid climates.
Water requirements
As an established plant, string of coins is fairly drought tolerant and doesn’t require frequent watering. Water deeply when the soil becomes dry down to 1 or 2 inches, and then allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
During winter months, cut back on the amount of water you provide to allow for some drying out between waterings. You can purchase a humidity tray or place pebbles in a dish on top of the pot to add some moisture and raise the humidity level around the plant.
Fertilizer requirements
String of coins is a slow-growing succulent, so you won’t need to fertilize frequently. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause root burn. It’s best to only feed once a month from spring to fall with a balanced, diluted houseplant food. Fertilizer is not necessary during the winter months.
Soil
String of coins plants do best in a light, well-draining soil that contains perlite, sand, or pumice. You can use pre-mixed soil that’s specifically designed for succulents and cacti. A clay pots will help the plant dry out more quickly between watering and allow for better air circulation around the roots.
Most gardeners will never have to re-pot their string of coins plant, but if you purchase a very large plant, it may eventually outgrow its container. When the roots are growing through drainage holes in the bottom of the pot or if the leaves begin to yellow, it’s time for a larger pot.
How to propagate string of coins plants
If you’d like to grow a new plant or give a string of coins plant to a friend, it’s easy to propagate. Wait until the vines get longer, and then gently break off a section that’s at least four inches long. Let the cut end dry out for a couple of days before planting it in a small pot filled with moist cactus mix or seed starting mix. Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight and mist the soil lightly to keep it from drying out. It can take several weeks for roots to develop, so be patient!
Conclusion
String of coins plants are unusual, easy-to-care-for houseplants that will make a welcome addition to almost any home or office. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings and feed once a month during spring through fall for best results. If you’re looking for an interesting plant with bold leaves that is also easy to care for, try growing a string of coins plant in your home!