With their unique round, coin-shaped leaves, string of coins plants (also known as silver dollar vines or Xerosicyos danguyi) make an excellent addition to any indoor or outdoor succulent garden. These easy-going trailing succulents are perfect for beginners and require only a few simple care requirements to thrive.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing healthy string of coins plants, including proper sunlight, watering, soil, fertilizing, pruning, propagation, and troubleshooting common problems.
Overview of String of Coins Plants
Native to Madagascar, string of coins is a tender perennial succulent that grows long trailing stems covered in shiny round leaves. The leaves are silvery green to gray-green in color and resemble stacks of coins Fast-growing vines can reach 3-6 feet long.
String of coins thrives in warm temperatures and bright light They make excellent indoor hanging plants or outdoor groundcovers in warm climates Their minimal care needs also make them fun beginner plants.
Light Requirements
String of coins plants thrive in full sun and need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily. Outdoors, select a sunny location with southern or western sun exposure. You can also grow string of coins in part sun, but they will exhibit slower growth and less vibrant foliage coloration.
Indoors, situate these trailing succulents near a bright south or west-facing window. Avoid low light situations, which can result in weak, leggy growth. Insufficient light also prevents the coin-shaped leaves from developing their unique rounded form.
Some sun stress can bring out pretty tints of red, orange, or purple along the leaf edges and stems. However, too much intense midday sun can scorch the leaves, so provide some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is critical to growing healthy string of coins plants. They require a sandy, porous potting mix that dries out rapidly between waterings. The ideal soil composition is:
- 50% good quality potting soil
- 25% perlite for drainage
- 25% sand, pumice, or gravel
You can also purchase a specialized cactus and succulent soil blend. Just make sure the mix is lightweight and fast-draining. Avoid regular garden soil, which stays too wet.
Use containers with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent soggy soil. Terra cotta pots work particularly well as their porous material helps soil dry faster.
Watering and Humidity
String of coins plants are quite drought tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. The top few inches of soil should be dry to the touch before adding more water.
During the active growing season in spring and summer, string of coins may need water as often as every 7-10 days. In fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every 2-3 weeks.
Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This encourages deeper root growth. Avoid frequent shallow waterings, which lead to unhealthy succulent growth.
High humidity is not essential for string of coins plants, but average indoor humidity around 40-50% is ideal. Avoid misting the leaves as wet foliage can promote rot.
Temperature
String of coins thrives in warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Cooler temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the foliage to drop. Avoid placing these plants near drafty windows, doors, or air vents.
If growing string of coins outdoors in areas with scorching summers, provide some shade during the hottest parts of the afternoon. Move container plants indoors if frost threatens in winter.
Fertilizer
Only minimal fertilizer is required to maintain healthy string of coins plants. During the active growing season from spring to summer, use a balanced liquid cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 months. Avoid overfertilizing, which can burn the roots.
In fall and winter, suspend fertilizing completely since plants are dormant. Resume fertilizing when new growth appears in spring.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for string of coins plants, but occasional trimming can help manage leggy growth. To prune, use clean, sharp scissors or shears to snip off any long, overgrown stems back to an outward facing leaf node.
Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems as needed to maintain an attractive appearance. Always sterilize pruning tools before use with isopropyl alcohol to prevent transmitting diseases.
Propagation
String of coins plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply take 3-4 inch cuttings from a healthy mother plant. Allow the cut ends to dry and callous over for a few days before planting.
Place the cuttings in small pots filled with sandy, well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. Within a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and new leaf growth.
Once established, these propagated plants can be transferred to hanging baskets or larger containers. Propagating from stem cuttings is a great way to make new string of coins plants for free!
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
String of coins plants are quite hardy when their basic growing needs are met. However, they can encounter a few potential problems.
Leggy, weak growth – Results from insufficient light. Provide more direct sun.
Leaves turning yellow – Often caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Brown leaf tips – Occurs with irregular watering. Water thoroughly when soil dries out.
Leaf drop – Can be triggered by temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Move plants to a warmer location.
Root rot – Caused by soggy soil. Repot in fast-draining soil and water only when dry.
Pests – Mealybugs, aphids, scale and spider mites may appear. Wipe off with cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use insecticidal soap spray.
Tips for Growing Healthy String of Coins Plants
Follow these simple tips to keep your string of coins houseplants thriving:
- Situate in bright, direct light indoors or full sun outside
- Use sandy, well-draining potting soil
- Allow soil to dry out between thorough waterings
- Water less frequently in winter
- Keep in average room humidity
- Grow in temperatures between 65-80°F
- Fertilize lightly in spring and summer
- Propagate new plants from stem cuttings
- Prune leggy vines as needed
With their unique coin-shaped foliage, string of coins plants make a fun and easy-care trailing succulent. Provide plenty of light, minimal watering, warm temperatures, and fast-draining soil for the healthiest growth. Their low-maintenance nature makes string of coins a great choice for beginners or anyone looking to add a touch of the exotic to their indoor or outdoor succulent garden.
Learn here everything related to String of Coins Plant Care, and fill your space with its trailing stems and coin-shaped leaves.
The String of Coins Plant grows in hanging baskets, on balconies, in small spaces, in a succulent garden, or along a fence or trellis. So why wait? Read our complete growing guide, which covers everything from seeds to stems that hang down. Read below!.
String of Coins Plant Information
The string of coins is a succulent plant native to Madagascar, famous for its attractive foliage. It has long, thin stems, fleshy, oval leaves stacked on top of each other, and small yellow-green flowers. It can climb or trail.
Because of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), the leaves store water during droughts. This is because CAM opens the stomata at night to keep the plant from losing too much water and to help it survive in dry places. It can grow to 12-16 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide and is a low-maintenance plant. Xerosicyos danguyi can be planted in containers or you can hang them as well in the basket.
String of Coins Is this a Succulent?
FAQ
How do you take care of a coin succulent?
Why is my string of coins dying?
How do you take care of a string of nickels plant?
How do you care for a string of coins plant?
Place your plant on a windowsill or near a window in a south-facing room, and it will flourish. The String of Coins is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal water. Use the soak-and-dry watering method to thoroughly soak the soil and allow it to dry completely before watering again. Ensure that your soil does not remain damp.
Is string of coins a good houseplant?
The String of Coins plant requires minimal maintenance and has low water requirements. It is ideal for a beginner gardener. I love my String of Coins plant. With its round-shaped leaves and long trailing stems, it creates a great focal point in a hanging basket. The easy care make it a great houseplant.
How do you care for a string of coins succulent?
To care for a string of coins succulent, place it in bright indirect light, water it when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid overwatering. This succulent prefers well-draining soil, moderate humidity, and temperatures between 65-80 °f (18-27 °c). Prune leggy growth and fertilize during the growing season for optimal care.
How do you propagate string of coins?
String of Coins plant can be propagated by stem cuttings. Cut a stem from the plant and let it dry for a few days. Then, plant the stem in well-draining soil and water it lightly. The stem will root and grow into a new plant. How do I prune String of Coins plant? String of Coins plant does not require frequent pruning.
What kind of soil does string of coins need?
String of Coins plant prefers well-draining soil. You can use a cactus or succulent mix or make your own by mixing sand, perlite, and potting soil. How much sunlight does String of Coins plant need? String of Coins plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Can string of coins grow in direct sunlight?
String of Coins plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it is best to place the plant near a window that receives filtered light. How often should I fertilize my String of Coins plant? String of Coins plant does not require frequent fertilization.