How often should I water it?

Water only when the soil has dried out completely.

Does it need direct sun?

Yes, it grows best in bright light with a few hours of direct sun, though it tolerates some light shade.

Plant guide

Silver Dollar Vine.

Xerosicyos danguyi

Pronounced zeer-oh-SICK-ee-ohs DAN-goo-ee

Also known as Silver Dollar Vine, Silver dollar plant

Silver Dollar Vine — Photo by amantedarmanin (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This unique succulent vine from Madagascar is famous for its coin shaped, fleshy leaves. It is a fantastic choice for a sunny windowsill where it can climb or trail. You will love how easy it is to keep happy.

Another photo of Silver Dollar Vine — Photo by amantedarmanin (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Succulent vine
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 14 to 21 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

Care

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for shriveling leaves as a sign that the plant needs a drink. Ensure it gets plenty of light to maintain its compact shape.

Watering: Water deeply only when the potting mix is dry throughout the container.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems in early spring to encourage a bushier appearance.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root bound or the soil breaks down.
Soil: Well draining cactus mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 5 to 35°C
Humidity: 10 to 40%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water draining through the pot too quickly.
The plant stops growing during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested or handled excessively.
Pets: This plant is not considered toxic to cats or dogs.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children as the stems are brittle and the sap may be irritating.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Round succulent coin shaped leaves
Glaucous silvery green foliage
Vining or climbing growth habit
Small yellow flowers in clusters

Height: 0.3 to 1.5m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, gray-green, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, greenish-yellow, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: green, brown, Late spring

Problems to watch for

Root rot · This occurs when the soil remains too wet for too long.
Mealybugs · These small white insects hide in the crevices between leaves.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Move the plant indoors before temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months.
In containers: It is excellent for containers, provided you use a well-draining cactus mix and a pot with drainage holes.

Stem Cuttings

1. Snip a healthy stem segment.
2. Allow the cut end to callous for a few days.
3. Place the cutting into dry, well-draining soil.

Group this with other succulents that prefer to dry out between waterings to simplify your care routine.

Grows well with

Aloe · They share similar water and light requirements.
Jade Plant · It thrives in the same arid conditions.

Similar species

String of Nickels · It has a similar coin-like leaf shape but is an epiphyte.

Science

Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Xerosicyos
Order: Cucurbitales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southwest Madagascar
Conservation: This species is listed as near threatened in its native habitat due to collection and habitat loss.

It survives by storing water in its thick, succulent leaves and stems to endure long periods of drought.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ornamental, container plant, succulent collection

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water it?: Water only when the soil has dried out completely.
Does it need direct sun?: Yes, it grows best in bright light with a few hours of direct sun, though it tolerates some light shade.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Xerosicyos comes from Greek words meaning dry and cucumber, while the species name honors the French botanist Danguy.

Good to know

It is commonly called the silver dollar vine.
The stems can become woody as the plant ages.
It is endemic to the dry forests of Madagascar.
It is a dioecious species, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants.

Also in

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This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.