Scientific Name
Xerosicyos danguyi Humbert
Common Names
Silver Dollar Plant, Silver Dollar Vine, Dollar Vine, Penny Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Subfamily: Zanonioideae
Tribe: Zanonieae
Subtribe: Zanoniinae
Genus: Xerosicyos
Description
Xerosicyos danguyi is a climbing vine with cylindrical stems and thick, fleshy rounded leaves. The main stem will reach 20 inches (50 cm) tall before it branches. Leaves are grey-green, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, 1.4 cm (3.5 cm) wide and 0.25 inch (0.6 cm) thick. Flowers are yellowish-green and up to 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
A location with full sun is best, although Xerosicyos can grow in partial shade. During the winter months, Xerosicyos are kept at a temperature of around 41 to 48 °F (5 to 9 °C) and are watered only to keep the leaves from shriveling. USDA hardiness zone 9-11. They are extremely drought tolerant. A deep soaking once a month in the summer will keep the plant looking good.
For pot culture in summer, it must be regularly watered during the vegetative period but allowing the soil to dry up before watering again completely. In winter, it's to be kept dry. Preferable not to water on overcast days, humid days, or cold winter days. Xerosicyos adapts to most soil types but not too heavy in texture; good drainage is desirable. If grown in a pot as an indoor plant, use soil for succulent plants. Low food needs. They should be fertilized only once during the active growing period. See more at How to Grow and Care for Xerosicyos.
Origin
Native to southwestern Madagascar.
Links
- Back to genus Xerosicyos
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
