Troubleshooting
String of Nickels problems — and how to fix them
String of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root and leaf rot
Caused by overwatering or a dense, moisture-retentive mix that keeps the epiphytic roots wet.
Leaf scorch
Too much direct sun bleaches or browns the coin-shaped leaves.
Shrivelled, thin leaves
Underwatering or air that is too dry, since the plant draws moisture through its foliage.
Bare, leggy stems
Insufficient light makes lower leaves drop and stems stretch toward the light source.
Mealybugs and scale
Sap-sucking pests hide along stems and leaf joints, especially in warm, dry indoor air.
Spider mites
Low humidity encourages mites that cause stippling and fine webbing on the foliage.
Prevent string of nickels problems before they start
Most string of nickels issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
String of Nickels problems — FAQ
Why is my string of nickels root and leaf rot?
Caused by overwatering or a dense, moisture-retentive mix that keeps the epiphytic roots wet.
Why is my string of nickels leaf scorch?
Too much direct sun bleaches or browns the coin-shaped leaves.
Why is my string of nickels shrivelled, thin leaves?
Underwatering or air that is too dry, since the plant draws moisture through its foliage.
Why is my string of nickels bare, leggy stems?
Insufficient light makes lower leaves drop and stems stretch toward the light source.
Why is my string of nickels mealybugs and scale?
Sap-sucking pests hide along stems and leaf joints, especially in warm, dry indoor air.
Why is my string of nickels spider mites?
Low humidity encourages mites that cause stippling and fine webbing on the foliage.