No results. Is a plant missing? Tell uscontact@wikiplant.net
Silver Dollar Vine
Xerosicyos danguyi
Care level: Easy
Native to the dry forests of Madagascar, Xerosicyos danguyi is a member of the cucumber and squash family that adapted to drought by turning its leaves into thick, round, coin-shaped water stores, an unusual succulent strategy for a vine relative more commonly known for melons and gourds.
Needs bright light with some direct sun to keep its round leaves compact and healthy.
Water
Very drought-tolerant vine; let soil dry out completely between waterings, about every 2-3 weeks.
Humidity
Tolerates dry indoor air well.
Soil
Fast-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Temperature
Normal room temperatures. Keep it above 12°C in winter.
Best position
south-east / south / south-west-facing windowanywhere up to about 1 m from the window
east / west-facing windowright by the window
See every window directionHide window directions
Best position
right by the window
about 1 m
about 2 m
about 4 m
4 m or more
north
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
north-east
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
east
works well✓
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
south-east
works well✓
works well✓
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
south
works well✓
works well✓
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
south-west
works well✓
works well✓
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
west
works well✓
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
north-west
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
too dark○
✓works well~just about○too dark☼too much direct sun
A rough guide based on window direction and typical daylight through the year. Window size, curtains and whatever stands outside matter just as much.
?Pet safety not confirmed
As a precaution, keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Did you know?
Despite its succulent, drought-proof leaves, Silver Dollar Vine is botanically a cucurbit, the same family as cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons, and it climbs using the same curling tendrils those relatives use, just adapted for a much drier life.
Care by Season
Spring
Resume regular watering as tendrils and new leaves emerge.
Summer
Provide a trellis or support for climbing and water once soil is fully dry.
Autumn
Reduce watering as growth slows.
Winter
Keep quite dry and away from cold drafts, ideally above 12°C.
Growing & Maintenance
Soil and pot
A fast-draining succulent or cactus mix in a pot with drainage holes.
Support
A small trellis or hoop. The tendrils curl around it by themselves.
Pests & Diseases
Common problems
Wrinkled, deflated leaves
Most likely cause: The plant is using up its stored water after a long dry spell.
What to do: Water deeply, let the pot drain and wait until the mix is dry again.
Soft, yellow leaves
Most likely cause: Overwatering.
What to do: Let the mix dry out completely between waterings.
Long stems with widely spaced leaves
Most likely cause: Too little light.
What to do: Move it to bright light with some direct sun.
Stems flopping over
Most likely cause: Nothing to climb.
What to do: Give it a small trellis or hoop.
Leaves dropping in winter
Most likely cause: A cold draught, or temperatures below 12°C.
What to do: Move it to a warmer, draught-free spot and keep it quite dry.
Pests & Diseases
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters along stems and leaf bases
Treatment: Dab with rubbing-alcohol cotton swab and repeat weekly. Check the undersides of the leaves and the crevices where the leaf stem meets the main stalk.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing and stippled discoloration on leaves
Treatment: Increase humidity slightly and treat with insecticidal soap. Check the undersides of the leaves and the crevices where the leaf stem meets the main stalk.
Root rot
Signs: Soft, shriveling stems and mushy roots from overwatering
Treatment: Remove from wet soil, trim rotten roots, and repot in dry, gritty mix.
FAQ
Does Silver Dollar Vine need something to climb?
It benefits from one, this plant produces thin curling tendrils and grows as a vine in habitat, so a small trellis, moss pole, or stake gives it support and encourages fuller, more even growth than letting it sprawl.
Why are my Silver Dollar Vine leaves wrinkling?
Wrinkled, slightly deflated round leaves usually mean the plant is drawing on its stored water reserves and is ready for a drink, it's a normal drought signal in this species, not necessarily a sign of damage.
How often should I water a Silver Dollar Vine?
About every 2-3 weeks, once the mix has dried out completely. Keep it quite dry in winter.
How much light does a Silver Dollar Vine need?
It needs bright light with some direct sun. In weaker light the stems stretch and the round leaves sit far apart.
How do I care for a Silver Dollar Vine in winter?
Keep it quite dry and above 12°C. Move it away from cold windows and draughts.
What soil does a Silver Dollar Vine need?
A fast-draining succulent or cactus mix. Dense compost that stays wet leads to root rot.
