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January 17, 2022 in Indoor plants· Unique Plants

String of Coins Plant – how to survive & thrive guide!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
string of coins plant

If I don’t kill a plant after a year (maybe two?!) I feel fairly confident recommending the plant to you.

And I refuse to sugar-coat the facts. There’s no point editing photos to eliminate imperfections. Plant perfection? Bah. It simply doesn’t exist.

Plants are just like people. Imperfections are real and part of the fun!

So I won’t spend countless hours editing out plant flaws so it appears as if my plants are Barbie doll perfect. Those Instagram photos are so fake.

What you see in this post is exactly what the plants actually look like!

The string of coins plant is a perfect choice for an outdoor xeric garden on your balcony or scrambled around your patio, walls, fences, trellis, or hanging basket.

But my climate is colder so my only option is to grow indoors in a hanging basket with its vining tendency or plant in a pot. Give the string of coins plant a place to trail. 

So without further ado, here’s why you must have a string of coins plant of your own.

string of coins

Alternative names, appearance & decorative uses for the strings of coins plant….

The string of coins plant or Xerosicyos danguyi (if you want to get all fancy) has several fun names. It’s also called the penny plant, silver dollar vine and silver dollar succulent.

This plant was introduced to me by my friend Cheri as the string of coins plant so that’s the name I use.

The string of coins plant has fleshy, nearly round silvery-gray leaves, blue-green or gray-green leaves. At first, the leaves are pea-green in color but become silvery gray and more succulent or plump as they mature.

These flat leaves measure about 4cm (1.6 inches) long, and 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) wide and are about 0.6 cm (0.25 inches) thick. Their petioles are 0.8-1.5 cm long.

Rumor has it that these plants can grow 12 to 16 feet high and roughly 4 to 6 feet wide. But, it isn’t so aggressive when grown as an indoor houseplant and doesn’t get very tall.

It’s a fairly slow grower in my own home. New growth tends to grow straight up for a few days then it plops over the side of the pot.

The leaves grow in an alternative manner along with their green-colored branches or stems while a new growth has a brownish tip.

Xerosicyos danguyi has a vine-like, thick cylindrical stem with small forked and branched delicate curly tendrils for anchoring to the host.

On young plants, the main stems will grow for up to two feet before growing branches. Also, plants propagated by seeds will have a small tuber or caudex at the base (cuttings don’t have).

Finally, their branches are thin, cylindrical, and grow upright until they start branching too.

string of coins plant

Quick hits…

Scientific nameXerosicyos danguyi
FamilyCucurbitaceae (guard family or cucurbits)
Common namesSilver dollar vine, dollar vine, penny plant, or silver dollar succulent
Native habitatMadagascar
TypeEvergreen liana
Growth rate  Moderate
Size12-16 ft high and 4-6 feet wide
LeavesAlmost round blue-green, very-gray leaves, or gray-green leaves
FlowersThis plant has greenish-yellow Inflorescence
StemsCylindrical, woody, vine-likes stems delicate tendrils
Blooming timeSpring/summer
Light requirementIndirect bright light, partial to full sun
USDA Zone9 to 11
TemperatureWide range, from 20°F to over 90 °F
HumidityLow to moderate
SoilWell-drained soil, slightly acid with pH of 6.0 – 6.5  such as the succulent or cacti mix
WateringModerate, soak and dry watering method
PropagationMainly cuttings, but at times seeds
ToxicityNot toxic to dogs, cats, or humans
silver coins plant

Temperature, humidity and potting requirements for the string of coins plant

This plant is native to Madagascar, growing in sub-arid (slightly arid) bushland forests.

It requires low to medium humidity but can tolerate even higher levels. When it is humid, reduce watering or mist it when the humidity is low in your home.

The ideal temperature for growing Xerosicyos danguyi is 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit  (18.3 to 26.7°C). So standard room temperatures are perfect.

Shockingly, the string of coins plant can withstand a wide temperature range, including light frost as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-3.9°C) and as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40°C) since they resist heat very well.

But I bring my plant inside well before there’s any danger of frost to play it safe.

The Xerosicyos danguyi needs to grow in very permeable soils. The string of coins plant grows well in substrates for succulents and cacti with the addition of a layer of gravel. Water when the substrate dries completely as it is very susceptible to rotting from excess moisture.

Fast fact….

The string of coins plant actually comes from the same family as cucumber and squash! Who knew?

string of coins root system

Light and watering requirements for the string of coins plant

The string of coins plant prefers partial to full direct sun for 6-8 hours a day, just as it is in their natural tropical Madagascar habitat.

There’s no doubt they enjoy growing outside or where they can get partial to full sunlight. So Floridians…this is the plant for you. Don’t worry about the hot summer weather as they resist heat and drought pretty well.

But for many of us, other than a few short summer months, growing indoors is a must. They can adapt to an indoor environment with plenty of light. These plants absolutely love to be in the light!

Place these ornamentals in a south-facing window where they can get adequate sunlight. Never overwater them.

Silver dollar succulents are very drought tolerant, meaning don’t have a high-water requirement and should water them like you would your succulents.

Deeply water in the summer growing season and drastically cut down in winter.

How often you water Xerosicyos danguyi depends on whether it is indoor or outdoor and the season. All you have to do is let the soil dry completely before watering it again.

Finally, avoid overwatering your silver coins plant as it may cause root rot, especially during the non-growing season or if grown indoors. A drainage hole is a must-have since sitting in stagnant water is a big no-no.

This is always my struggle so I can’t overemphasize enough letting the pot dry out 100% before watering again. In winter seasons it should only be watered when the leaves become wrinkled, roughly once a week.

string of coins

Easy propagation tips for the string of coins plant

Xerosicyos danguyi propagation is most easily done by cuttings.

Yes…you can use seeds but I wouldn’t advise it because it’s so hard. Sow them after the last frost on moist seeding mix and maintain a temperature of about 70°F (21°C). The seeds should germinate after two to three weeks. However, this method is unreliable and it takes forever to get a full-grown plant. 

So the best propagation option is using cuttings. The best time of year to propagate a silver coins plant would be during the active growing season in spring unless you live in Florida or any other warm climate. Then just about any time of year would work.

Here is how to propagate the silver coins plant:

  1. Cut a mature stem with at least 3-5 leaves. Don’t cut the main stem as it will not grow again. It will dry off or callus, and instead, a branch will grow from the lower node of the stem.
  2. Then allow it dry for a few days to callus the area where you cut it. A sunny windowsill is ideal. The exact duration will depend on weather conditions. If it doesn’t scab over or callus, it will absorb too much water when you water and rot or become infected.
  3. After it scabs, grow your Xerosicyos danguyi cuttings in soil and lightly water by misting daily. Never let the potting mix dry out completely. Just don’t overwater and allow the pot to become soggy. Before potting you can always add a little bit of rooting hormone to speed things up!
  4. During propagation, place the cutting in a bright, shaded area or one with filtered light. A 30% shade cloth or greenhouse will work well.  After a few weeks, you can gently tug your cutting to confirm that it has rooted.
  5. Cross your fingers and be patient. It may take two to three weeks before you see new shoots growing, and this can happen with or without roots (they may grow later).

Be aware!!!!

Xerosicyos danguyi leaf propagation is not possible. Yes, the leaf may have roots, but it needs a stem with a node from where a new shoot will start growing. The key here is node!

Therefore, you cannot propagate it with leaves as you do with a begonia rex, cactus with pads, jade plant, kalanchoe, peperomia, etc.

String of coins plant

Re-potting and fertilization requirements…

If you purchased or received a new plant from a friend allow 3-4 weeks for the plant to adjust to the new environment before repotting. Plant shock is real!

Afterward, you will have to repot it biennially (every other year) or when it is root bound.

Usually, when root bound, you will see roots are growing through drainage holes. You can also gently slide it out of the pot to see if the roots are curly.

Again, the best time to repot the silver coins plant is spring (growing season), and you need to select a pot that is at least three inches wider and deep enough to accommodate the roots while leaving space for more to grow.

And a drainage hole at the bottom of the pot is an absolute must!

When repotting, use a new cacti/succulent mix, place some in the pot, put your plant in the middle, and add more potting mix.

Overall, I find that the more I don’t fuss over this plant, the better it does! That and….light and more light.

67 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

    January 21, 2022 at 5:07 am

    I tend not to fuss over my outdoor plants – which is a good thing as this weekend we expect temperatures of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit! This looks so pretty and I will look out for them here.

    Reply
  2. Audrey says

    January 23, 2022 at 4:07 pm

    Very pretty plant

    Reply
  3. Sandra McFadden says

    January 23, 2022 at 4:35 pm

    I love succulent type plants. I can’t have them in the house as my fur babies love to destroy them but I do have a few outside.

    Reply
  4. Phyllis Skoglund says

    January 23, 2022 at 6:03 pm

    The raised garden has made a great and good difference for my plants.

    Reply
  5. Liz Kilcher says

    January 24, 2022 at 3:54 am

    i love this plant

    Reply
    • Kris Bodily says

      January 24, 2022 at 9:25 am

      I’ll have to try growing one or two

      Reply
  6. Karen Propes says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:07 am

    Just beautiful, I love getting tips on how to care for plants. It has really made a difference around our new home.

    Reply
  7. LAURA BETHUREM says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:43 am

    I absolutely love the raised bed gardens, I am a beginner and absolutely can’t wait till spring to start planting.

    Reply
  8. cynthia says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:57 am

    The string of coins plant is a new plant for me, I wonder if I can find one.

    Reply
    • Patti says

      September 9, 2022 at 3:24 pm

      Try Etsy quite a few vendors sell them…… you can even purchase on Amazon!

      Reply
  9. Catherine Guzik says

    January 24, 2022 at 7:25 am

    Love this as it is functional and beautiful

    Reply
  10. Kathleen Marie Derrick says

    January 24, 2022 at 7:26 am

    Thanks again for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Bradley Marquis says

    January 24, 2022 at 7:49 am

    great info!

    Reply
  12. kathleen kaliszewski says

    January 24, 2022 at 9:12 am

    great

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Durham says

      January 24, 2022 at 12:16 pm

      THANK YOU FOR THE INFO. GOING TO GET ONE OF THESE.

      Reply
  13. Julianna L says

    January 24, 2022 at 9:22 am

    Very interesting story.

    Reply
  14. Christine @ Run Plant Based says

    January 24, 2022 at 9:29 am

    So much great information here, thanks! Such a great option to brighten up the indoors especially during winter.

    Reply
  15. Eileen Hester says

    January 24, 2022 at 9:42 am

    Very interesting stuff!

    Reply
  16. Sharon Woolston says

    January 24, 2022 at 9:51 am

    Love all the helpful tips you give. Going to try raised beds this year.

    Reply
  17. Nancy Krueger says

    January 24, 2022 at 10:03 am

    Thank you for the great overview. I’m going to try it! I appreciate the warnings about overwatering as I tend to feel so sorry for a dry plant, but I’ll remember dry is good

    Reply
  18. Colleen Debs says

    January 24, 2022 at 10:12 am

    Thanks for the information

    Reply
  19. David Farrell says

    January 24, 2022 at 10:34 am

    so much work for such good rewards

    Reply
  20. monique s says

    January 24, 2022 at 10:57 am

    I love the look of this plant. So unique

    Reply
  21. Jennylyn Gross says

    January 24, 2022 at 12:27 pm

    very interesting thanks for sharing

    Reply
  22. Crystal Abel says

    January 24, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    Thank you for the tips. I will be looking for this plant.

    Reply
  23. Joy Zabel says

    January 24, 2022 at 1:17 pm

    Would love to see it growing in Madagascar!

    Reply
  24. DeeAnn says

    January 24, 2022 at 1:39 pm

    Neat plant! Looks like something I’d like to try. Thanks.

    Reply
  25. Betsy Pauzauskie says

    January 24, 2022 at 4:09 pm

    I like the idea of growing a string of coins plant indoors, due to it’s lovely trailing nature! It’s sooo pretty. Thanks for all of your tips and tricks. Easy appeals to me too.

    Reply
  26. Steven Cook says

    January 24, 2022 at 5:48 pm

    I love trailing plants. Thanks for introducing me to this plant.

    Reply
  27. wen budro says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:57 pm

    That is a very cool plant. I appreciate knowing the details about a plant before I buy one. I don’t get enough natural sunlight- direct or indirect- to successful grow many kinds of plants.

    Reply
  28. Milly Voskanyan says

    January 24, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    Thank you 4 all your great giveaways!

    Reply
  29. Rebecca Tanaka says

    January 25, 2022 at 3:04 am

    Now I know why I haven’t been able to propagate my plant!

    Reply
  30. Sam says

    January 25, 2022 at 3:18 am

    Another string plant to add to the collection, nice! Helpful info too.

    Reply
  31. Diane Warstler says

    January 25, 2022 at 5:18 am

    I’ve never seen this sweet little plant before but would love to try my hand at growing one successfully.

    Reply
  32. Janis C says

    January 25, 2022 at 7:36 am

    Interesting plant. I have Silver Dollar plants in my yard. I’ve never seen or heard of a String of Coins plant.

    Reply
  33. Constance Hallberg says

    January 26, 2022 at 1:06 am

    This is an interesting-looking plant.

    Reply
  34. Laura Harrison says

    January 26, 2022 at 5:39 am

    Hope I win this boot tray.

    Reply
  35. Mary Dailey says

    January 26, 2022 at 11:13 am

    I have seen pictures of this plant, but have not tried to grow it. It is so pretty. I would love to try it now with all of this wonderful information!

    Reply
  36. John G. says

    January 26, 2022 at 1:52 pm

    I am in this sweepstakes to win the boot tray.

    Reply
    • Laura Sproull says

      January 27, 2022 at 9:39 am

      Yay! Hope you win!!!!!

      Reply
  37. Laurie Nykaza says

    January 27, 2022 at 10:36 pm

    Such a wonderful looking plant I like the leaf color and shape and that its easy to grow too.

    Reply
  38. Nancy Rexroad says

    January 28, 2022 at 4:18 am

    AWESOME PLANT

    Reply
  39. Pam Wheler says

    January 29, 2022 at 4:34 pm

    I’ve never heard of a string of coins plant. Quite neat.

    Reply
  40. Lisa Cress says

    January 29, 2022 at 7:38 pm

    This is a very cool plant. Also, the first time I have seen one. Thank you!

    Reply
  41. Maryann D. says

    January 30, 2022 at 7:50 am

    I don’t believe that I ever saw this plant. Thanks for the super information.

    Reply
  42. Leela says

    February 1, 2022 at 6:59 pm

    I’ve never had one of these before.

    Reply
  43. Joanna says

    February 2, 2022 at 6:35 am

    Thank you for the great article. This is one plant I do not have nor have I seen for sale.

    Reply
  44. jk russell says

    February 2, 2022 at 11:41 am

    Thank you for the informative articles! love them!

    Reply