Indoor gardeners often encounter two popular vining plants: “string of coins” and “string of nickels.” Their common names describe their distinctive foliage, leading to frequent confusion about whether they are the same plant. This article clarifies the distinctions between these two houseplants and compares their characteristics and care requirements.
The Common Confusion: Are They Different Plants?
The similar common names and shared appearance of small, round leaves often lead plant enthusiasts to believe “string of coins” and “string of nickels” are variations of a single plant. Despite these superficial similarities, they are distinct species, each belonging to a different botanical family. “String of coins” is Peperomia rotundifolia, while “string of nickels” is Dischidia nummularia.
Key Differences in Appearance and Classification
Peperomia rotundifolia, also called “trailing jade,” features small, plump, succulent-like leaves. These bright green, round leaves grow on delicate, trailing stems up to a foot long. It belongs to the Piperaceae family.
In contrast, Dischidia nummularia displays flatter, thinner, distinctly coin-shaped leaves. These round, green leaves may have a grey-green hue or powdery coating when young. Its vining stems can reach up to five feet, exhibiting an epiphytic growth habit. Dischidia nummularia belongs to the Apocynaceae family.
Comparative Care Requirements
While both are tropical vining plants, their subtle differences in native habitats influence their ideal growing conditions. Understanding these specific care needs helps ensure their health and vigorous growth.
Light
Both Peperomia rotundifolia and Dischidia nummularia prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near an east or north-facing window. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch their leaves. If natural light is limited, supplemental grow lights can meet their requirements.
Watering
Proper drainage is crucial for watering. Peperomia rotundifolia, with its succulent leaves, prefers its soil to dry out almost completely between waterings; overwatering causes yellowing leaves and root rot. Dischidia nummularia benefits from the top inch or two of soil drying out before watering, appreciating consistent, light moisture during its active growing season. Both plants are sensitive to standing water, making well-draining pots essential.
Soil and Substrate
Both plants, due to their epiphytic nature, require specific soil mixes. Peperomia rotundifolia thrives in a loose, well-drained potting mix, often similar to succulent or cactus soil amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand. Dischidia nummularia needs an airy, fast-draining substrate, such as an orchid mix or a blend with coco husk chips, perlite, and pine bark. This mimics their natural environment where roots receive ample airflow.
Temperature and Humidity
As tropical plants, both species appreciate warm temperatures and elevated humidity. Peperomia rotundifolia grows best in temperatures from 18°C to 27°C (65-80°F) and tolerates average household humidity. Dischidia nummularia prefers temperatures between 16°C and 27°C (60-80°F) and thrives in high humidity, ideally between 50% and 80%. Using a pebble tray or humidifier can help meet its humidity needs.
Propagation
Both “string of coins” and “string of nickels” are relatively easy to propagate, primarily through stem cuttings. For Peperomia rotundifolia, healthy stem cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Leaf cuttings are also a viable propagation method. Dischidia nummularia can also be propagated from stem cuttings; it is often recommended to allow the cut end to callus for a day or two before placing it in water or a moist substrate like sphagnum moss.
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space
Choosing between Peperomia rotundifolia and Dischidia nummularia depends on your preferences and home conditions. If you prefer plumper, succulent-like leaves and can provide bright, indirect light with moderate humidity, Peperomia rotundifolia is suitable. It tends to remain more compact in its trailing habit.
For flatter, coin-shaped leaves and more extensive vining growth, Dischidia nummularia is a better fit. It flourishes in higher humidity environments, making it ideal for spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. Both offer cascading foliage, adding a dynamic green element to shelves or hanging baskets.