Dischidia nummularia (Button)

Origin and background of Dischidia nummularia (Button)

Button is a nursery name for compact-looking Dischidia nummularia with closely spaced round leaves. It describes the plant’s appearance and does not denote a separate named cultivar.

The species ranges from southern China through tropical Asia to northern Queensland and grows across bark and sometimes rock. Exposed roots receive regular moisture followed by rapid drainage and fresh air.

Care for trailing growth and epiphytic roots

Light

Position this trailing Dischidia in strong filtered daylight close to an east-facing window or a short distance from brighter south or west glass. Harsh midday exposure can bleach or scorch the small fleshy buttons, especially where strands touch glass.

Watering

Let the majority of the epiphytic mix dry before watering, using pot weight and leaf firmness as cross-checks. Continually wet mix can damage the fine roots before the leaves show distress.

Temperature and dry air

Air conditioners and radiators can create a dry strip that puckers only the exposed buttons, so check the full length of the plant as well as the pot.

Humidity and airflow

Average household humidity is generally adequate. A moderate increase can help new nodes root and keep the tiny leaves plump, provided air circulates through the dense crown.

Fertilising

Feed with a complete balanced fertiliser at a low dose during active growth. Continue lightly in a bright warm winter position if new paired leaves still form; reduce or pause when extension stops.

Support and grooming

Let the plant trail from a shelf or hanging container and rotate it gradually for an even skirt. Untangle only when the stems are dry and flexible, supporting several strands at once.

When Dischidia nummularia (Button) needs attention

• Opposite round leaves form tight strings: Dense overlapping pairs are normal for Button. Keep the whole trailing plant open to moving air and retain its healthy overlapping leaves.
• A trailing stem becomes bare in the middle: Leaf loss after drought, chilling or root stress can leave an empty section that may not refill. Correct the cause, then trim and root a healthy tip back into the pot if a fuller basket is wanted.
• The pot stays wet and stems blacken at soil level: The fine roots have too little air. Stop watering, remove decayed tissue and use a smaller container with a loose mix; see our root-rot guide if the roots are soft and brown.
• White fluff gathers between the close leaf pairs: These are likely mealybugs. Separate the plant, clean every node and repeat treatment, since the compact chains provide many hiding places.

Keep Dischidia nummularia (Button) away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

The meaning and history of Dischidia nummularia

Dischidia combines Greek dis, meaning twice, with schizein, meaning to split, referring to the divided lobes of the staminal corona. Nummularia comes from the Latin nummulus, “small coin,” and means coin-like.

Robert Brown established the genus Dischidia in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 461.

Robert Brown first described Dischidia nummularia in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 461.