Detailed Guide to String of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia) Cutting Propagation: Stem Cutting Method Illustrated

String of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia) can be grown not only as a small potted plant, but also used in floral design. With a special pot and a little creativity, it can present a different look, and it can also be allowed to climb on walls or tree trunks for beautification. String of Nickels does not require much care, making it one of the entry-level plants that gardening beginners can choose.

String of Nickels is mainly propagated by cuttings, which can be done in spring and summer. Cut the branches into sections of 3-4 nodes each, insert them diagonally into a well-draining medium, and keep the medium slightly moist. Roots should form and the plant should survive in about 1 week. Its fertilizer demand is not high; apply Hakaphos No. 2 once every 3 months, and in spring and summer apply Hyponex No. 2 or No. 4 diluted 1,000 times, once every 2-3 weeks.

Below is a method used by an experienced flower grower to improve the success rate of cuttings, using the flat-lay stem cutting method (the plant used for cutting below is the million hearts “String of Nickels”):

1. Select vigorously growing branches and cut several sections, each about 5-7 cm long, and each must have several leaves.

2. Carefully observe and select branches that already have aerial roots at the stem nodes.

3. Lay the branches flat on the medium; the base can be inserted, but be sure to let the aerial roots extend into the medium.

4. After finishing, spray some water to maintain moisture. Do not expose it to too much sunlight at first; give it a little bright light, and ventilation is also very important.

String of Nickels is a trailing climbing plant that easily grows aerial roots, and it is also a foliage-type plant. Similar plants including Hoya, String of Hearts, Tradescantia zebrina, pothos, ivy, String of Pearls, lipstick plant, and heartleaf aptenia and other hanging plants can all use this method.

Warm tips:

For species such as Tradescantia fluminensis and Tradescantia zebrina, the stem base needs to be buried in the medium; for succulent-type species such as String of Nickels and String of Hearts, there is no need to bury the stems and leaves, otherwise it easily causes rot.