Theodora

Variegated String of nickels

Dischidia oiantha variegata; Thruppence urn plant; Shingle plant

• 
  Low light
• 
  Easy care

• Variegated String of nickels likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    She needs very little water, so let her soil totally dry out between drinks. Let all excess water drain off.

  • 
    Medium light

    She can tolerate partial shade, perfect for those rooms with medium light.

  • 
    Humidity

    She loves moist air. She’ll enjoy living in a steamy bathroom, or give her a good misting a couple of times a week.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Dischidia oiantha variegata

  Nicknames

  Variegated string of nickels; Thruppence urn plant; Shingle plant

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height

  20-30cm

  Pet/Baby safe

  Mildly toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  14cm

• About String of nickels

  If you happen to find yourself in a forest in the tropics of Asia, look up and you might see string of nickels, or dischidia imbricata. It makes its home in the crevices of tall trees (scientifically, it’s known as an epiphyte). It dangles handsomely soaking up moisture from the atmosphere.

  In the wild, it gets most of its required water and nutrients from the air. Remembering that is a good way to understand how to care for it. Don’t water it too frequently, but mist it regularly. Basically, do your best impression of a tropical rainforest. As it’s used to living in the shade of the forest, it doesn’t need much light. If you’re not a confident plant parent yet, it’s a very easy option. It will appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer, but that's about as much special attention as it needs.

  If you like the plant but would prefer the leaves entirely green, may we recommend Theodore.

  Did you know?

  Some dischidia live on ant nests and have evolved so that their leaves are the perfect shape for sheltering the little critters.