10 Gorgeous Hanging Plants That Thrive Indoors [No Fail!]

8. String of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia) – The Quirky Climber

If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, something that screams unique tropical vibe, then the String of Nickels (or Dischidia nummularia) is your plant! I was absolutely captivated the first time I saw one. It doesn’t look like your typical houseplant at all; it looks like it was plucked straight from a lush, steamy rainforest – which, funnily enough, is kind of its natural habitat!

What Makes This Plant Such a Curious Creature?

The most distinctive thing about the String of Nickels is its small, round, coin-like leaves. They are typically a pale, almost greyish-green and are quite flat, really resembling little nickels or buttons strung along its thin stems. These leaves often cling closely to surfaces or cascade in a really interesting way.

It’s an epiphytic plant, which means that in nature, it often grows on other plants, like trees, rather than in soil on the ground. This is key to understanding how to keep it happy indoors. It’s a true quirky climber (or trailer, depending on how you grow it!). It’s just so different and fun!

Finding That Tropical Glow: Light for Your Dischidia

Being a tropical native, the String of Nickels appreciates bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight it might receive under the canopy of a larger tree in the rainforest. That’s the kind of light you want to replicate. A spot near an east-facing window or a slightly shaded south or west-facing window would be ideal.

I’ve found that giving it enough light helps keep the leaves looking their best and encourages healthy growth. Too little light, and it might get a bit sparse. Too much direct, harsh sun, and those delicate coin leaf plant leaves could scorch. It’s all about that gentle, filtered brightness, like a warm, sunny day enjoyed from a shady spot.

Watering an Epiphyte: Less Soil, More Air!

Now, watering this little guy is where its epiphytic nature really comes into play. Because it’s used to growing on trees with its roots exposed to the air, it does not like to have its feet constantly wet. You need to allow it to dry out well between waterings. Think less like a traditional potted plant and more like an orchid or a tillandsia (air plant).

The best way I’ve found to water mine, especially if it’s mounted or in a very airy mix, is to give it a good soak and then let all the excess water drain away completely. It also absolutely loves humidity! If your home is dry, especially in winter, misting it regularly or placing it near a humidifier or in a naturally humid spot like a bright bathroom will make it super happy. I learned quickly that good air circulation around its roots is also a big plus for this high humidity houseplant.

Creative Displays: Showcasing This Quirky Climber

This is where you can get really creative with your Dischidia nummularia! Because it’s an epiphyte, it’s perfect for terrariums where you can maintain that lovely humidity. It also looks absolutely incredible mounted on cork bark or a piece of driftwood, mimicking its natural growing conditions.

I have one mounted on a piece of cork, and it’s one of my favorite displays. You can also grow it in a unique hanging container with a very loose, airy potting mix (like an orchid mix). This really allows its unusual foliage and growth habit to be appreciated. It’s a fantastic plant for adding a touch of the wild and unexpected to your indoor jungle.

Embracing the Roots: Those Charming Aerial Wonders

Another fascinating thing about the String of Nickels is that it often grows with aerial roots. These are little roots that pop out from the stems and help it cling to surfaces as it climbs or rambles. Don’t be alarmed by them; they are totally normal and actually add to its charm and quirky character!

These aerial roots plant features are a clear sign of its epiphytic lifestyle. Sometimes, if the conditions are right, these roots will even attach themselves to whatever they’re growing on. Watching this plant slowly creep and attach itself is a slow but rewarding process. It truly feels like you have a little piece of the untamed rainforest thriving in your care.

The String of Nickels is such a wonderfully unique and intriguing plant, isn’t it? It’s a little slice of the tropics that brings so much character. But if you’re dreaming of a plant that not only looks good but also bursts into vibrant, surprising blooms, you’ll want to stick around for our next feature!

Ready to meet a plant that looks like it’s puckering up with bright red flowers? Click the NEXT button below to discover the delightful Lipstick Plant!