How to Grow and Care for a Silver Dollar Plant?

Do you have a Silver Dollar Plant or are you thinking of getting one? Great! Here is your easy guide to keeping it happy! We'll show you how to water it just right, not too much, not too little. We'll find the best sunny spot for it in your home. We'll talk about the dirt it likes and how to keep it healthy. No big words, just simple steps to help your plant grow strong and look its best. 

Love easy-care plants? Check out more indoor plants that are good for your health, too.

Part 1: How to Take Care of Silver Dollar Plant?

To care for a Silver Dollar Plant:

• Place it in bright, indirect sunlight and water only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
• Use well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. 
• Maintain indoor temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, and keep humidity low to moderate. 
• Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a diluted succulent fertilizer. 
• Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove dead leaves. 

With proper care, this low-maintenance plant will thrive and produce its signature coin-like seed pods.

Overview of Silver Dollar Plant

Let’s take a quick look at its key traits to understand what makes it unique:

Silver Dollar Plant Care Tips

Here are some valuable tips to help your Silver Dollar Plant grow and remain healthy:

Light

Silver Dollar Plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They do best in spots where they get plenty of natural light without being hit by harsh, direct rays, especially during midday. 

For more plant options that thrive in various indoor light settings, explore our collection of low-light favourites.

Here are some tips for the ideal light situation for this plant:

• An east-facing window is perfect for morning sun, while a west-facing one works well if the afternoon light isn’t too intense.
• If you’re placing the plant near a window, make sure it’s 12 to 24 inches away from the glass. This distance helps soften the intensity of the light while still giving it plenty of brightness.
• If the sunlight is too intense, consider placing a sheer curtain on the window. 
• If you’re growing them outdoors, choose a location with partial shade, especially in hot climates.
• Too little light can lead to leggy growth and pale leaves, while too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. A good rule of thumb: if the light is bright enough to read by without artificial light, it’s probably right for your Silver Dollar Plant. 
• If you notice your plant leaning towards the light source, rotate it periodically to ensure even growth.

However, if you have areas with very little sunlight, have a look at the given low-light plant collection as an alternative.

Watering

Succulents like Silver Dollar Plants store water in their leaves, so they're naturally drought-tolerant.

However, consider these tips when watering your plant to keep it healthy and thriving:

• Water the plant thoroughly only when the top 1 or 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Water it once every 10 to 14 days during the growing season, depending on your climate and indoor conditions.
• Make sure the pot has good drainage, and always let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
• Never overwater the plant, as it can lead to root rot.
• During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, watering should be reduced to once every 3 to 4 weeks.

But, should you water your Silver Dollar Plant with regular tap water or distilled water? Read a guide to water quality for indoor plants to help your Silver Dollar Plant thrive.

Soil

Silver Dollar Plants thrive in well-draining soil that prevents water from pooling around the roots. Poor drainage can quickly lead to root rot.

Therefore, to save your plant from rotting or yellowing, here are some suggestions:

• Use a cactus or succulent mix soil, which works well because it offers the right balance of aeration and drainage.
• For a DIY option, combine regular potting soil with perlite, coarse sand, or even small gravel to improve texture and flow. 
• Aim for a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (around 6.5 to 7.5), which supports nutrient absorption and root health.

To avoid buying low-quality soil, check out this soil collection to get 100% trusted and premium products.

Temperature and Humidity

The Lunaria Plants prefer average room temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). Here are some temperature and humidity tips to help your plant grow well:

• They’re not frost-tolerant, so be sure to bring them indoors or cover them if temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C). Prolonged exposure to cold drafts or freezing weather can damage or kill the plant.
• They prefer low to moderate humidity, so they're well-suited to most indoor environments.
• Avoid placing them in overly humid areas, such as bathrooms or poorly ventilated corners, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal growth and rot.
• If you're growing them outdoors in humid climates, ensure good air circulation around the plants to keep foliage dry.

Fertilizer

Silver Dollar Plants don't need heavy feeding, but a little support goes a long way during their active growing season. Find out more about fertilizers below:

• In spring and summer, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, ideally one formulated for flowering plants or succulents, once a month. 
• Dilute it to half the recommended strength to avoid overwhelming the roots.
• Always water the soil lightly before fertilizing to prevent root burn.
• Avoid feeding during the dormant winter months, as the plant isn't actively growing and excess nutrients can do more harm than good.
• Watch out for signs of over-fertilization, such as leaf browning or crusty soil. Both can indicate salt buildup, which may require a soil flush with plain water.

Pruning

Pruning can help maintain the shape of your Silver Dollar Plant and encourage bushier growth. Here are some valuable tips to help you with pruning:

• Trim leggy stems regularly to encourage branching and a denser appearance. This not only improves the plant's shape but also boosts its flowering potential.
• Pinch back the tips of new growth to stimulate side shoots, especially in the early growing season.
• Remove any dead or damaged leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
• The best time to prune is in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
• Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, as it may affect bloom production.

If you think pruning is not your cup of tea, check out our ZZ Plant Trimming Guide. These tips apply to your Silver Dollar Plant, too.

Part 2: How to Propagate Silver Dollar Plant?

In this section, we will take you through the steps of propagating a Silver Dollar Plant through stem cuttings, a straightforward process that can be mastered even if you are new to gardening.

Step-by-Step Guide

Permit us to present you with a 4-step guide on the propagation of Silver Dollar Plant:

Step 1: Select a Healthy Stem

• Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant. 
• Make sure the stem is at least 4-6 inches long. 
• Cut the stem just below the spot where leaves are attached.

Step 2: Prepare the Cutting

• Remove the lower leaves to expose the stem.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone for faster root growth; however, this step is optional.

Step 3: Plant the Cutting

• Place the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
• Water the cutting lightly to settle the soil around it.
• Cover the pot with a plastic bag or clear plastic dome to maintain humidity. Make sure the plastic doesn't touch the cutting.

Step 4: Rooting

• Keep the cutting in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight.
• Check the cutting frequently. In 4 to 6 weeks, it should begin to develop roots. You can check by gently tugging on the cutting. If you feel some resistance, it means the roots are forming.
• Once the cutting has formed a strong root system, you can transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the garden.

Tips for Successful Propagation

• Use clean tools to prevent the spread of disease. Visit our garden tools collection for everything you need in your garden.
• Allowing the cutting to dry is important to prevent rot.
• Be patient; root development can take time.
• Avoid overwatering, especially during the rooting process.
• Increase watering gradually once roots have formed.

Potting and Repotting Silver Dollar Plant

Potting and repotting of Silver Dollar plant is mentioned below:

Pro Tip: When potting or repotting, choose a small terra-cotta pot. Terra-cotta helps air flow and allows moisture to escape, which is important for stopping root rot in succulents like the Silver Dollar Plant. 

Part 3: What are the Common Problems of Silver Dollar Plant?

The Silver Dollar Plant is pretty easy to take care of, but it can run into problems if it doesn’t get what it needs. Spotting issues early and knowing what’s causing them can help keep your plant happy and healthy.

Want to make sure your Silver Dollar Plant gets the right nutrients? Take a look at our indoor plant fertilizer buying guide.

Issue 1: Yellowing Leaves

If your Silver Dollar Plant’s leaves are yellowing, it usually means that something is wrong with the plant’s roots. 

The most common reason is too much water, which can cause the roots to rot. And if the roots start to rot, chlorophyll and oxygen don’t reach the leaves, and they begin to lose their green color. This gets worse if the soil holds too much water or if the pot doesn’t have holes for drainage. 

Another reason could be a lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen, which the plant needs to keep its leaves green and healthy.

Solution:

• Allow the topsoil to dry out between watering
• Use a well-draining soil mix and ensure the pot has drainage holes
• Apply a balanced fertilizer to replenish nutrients

Issue 2: Leggy Growth (Tall, Weak Stems)

If your Silver Dollar Plant is growing tall with thin, droopy stems, it's probably not getting enough light and is stretching in search of it. This usually happens when the plant is in deep shade or too far from a window. 

Another possible reason is too much fertilizer, especially the kind high in nitrogen. Nitrogen helps plants grow leaves, but too much can make the stems soft and too weak to hold the plant up.

Solution:

• Place the plant in a location with full sun to partial shade
• Avoid excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizers

Issue 3: Wilting or Drooping Leaves

Wilting leaves usually mean the plant is thirsty and is not getting enough water, especially in hot, dry weather. Strong heat or direct sun in the middle of the day can make it worse, because the plant loses water faster than it can soak it up. 

When this happens, the leaves lose the water pressure that keeps them firm, so they start to droop.

Solution:

• Water consistently, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist but not soggy
• Provide partial shade during extreme heat

For more tips on keeping your plants healthy and hydrated, check out our guide on the best indoor plants to improve health.

Issue 4: Powdery Mildew (White, Powdery Coating on Leaves)

If you notice a white, dusty layer on the leaves of your Silver Dollar Plant, it may be powdery mildew. It often shows up in places that are damp or don’t get much fresh air. This fungus likes it when the air isn’t moving well and the plant stays wet for a long time, especially if water is poured over the top of the plant. 

When moisture sits on the leaves, it gives the fungus a chance to grow and spread fast.

Solution:

• Improve airflow around the plant by spacing them apart
• Water at the base instead of overhead to prevent moisture buildup

Issue 5: Pest Infestation (Aphids, Slugs, or Snails)

If your Silver Dollar Plant is placed with many other plants in close proximity, it may become infested with pests, such as aphids and slugs. They also appear if the plant is not draining properly.

Aphids are tiny bugs that suck sap from new leaves, which can make the leaves curl, turn yellow, or look weird. They spread fast and are hard to notice until the damage is done. 

Slugs and snails come out more at night and chew uneven holes in leaves. They like wet, shady spots and usually hide near the base of plants during the day.

Solution:

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids
• Handpick slugs or use organic slug traps

Conclusion

Growing a Silver Dollar Plant is fun and easy! If you take care of it, it'll grow well for a long time. Just make sure it gets good light, the right dirt, and just enough water. Watch out for yellow leaves, long stems, or bugs, and fix those problems quickly. 

You can also make new plants from cuttings, which is a great way to get more of these coin-shaped beauties. This guide will help you grow a happy, healthy plant. And if you want more plants, look at our other basic plant care guides. 

Enjoy your plant journey!

FAQs

Q. Why is my Silver Dollar Plant dying?

If your Silver Dollar Plant is struggling, it could be from too much water, not enough light, poor drainage, or extreme temperatures. Pests, lack of nutrients, or old soil can also cause problems.

Q. How much sunlight does a Silver Dollar Plant need?

A Silver Dollar Eucalyptus plant needs at least 6 hours of daily sunlight if planted outdoors. However, a Lunaria Plant placed indoors needs bright indirect sunlight in the morning hours. 

Q. Is the Silver Dollar Plant safe for pets?

No, silver dollar plants are not pet safe. They are toxic to both dogs and cats. The leaves and stems are the primary source of toxicity. Symptoms of Silver Dollar Plant poisoning in pets include vomiting, nausea, and drooling. And some dogs experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues.

Q. What to do if your pet eats a Silver Dollar Plant?

If your pet accidentally ingests a Silver Dollar Plant, take it to the vet. Also, take a section or a photograph of the plant to the clinic.

The treatment of Silver Dollar Plant poisoning depends on the severity of the symptoms. For mild cases, rinsing the mouth and basic care may be enough. However, in more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Also, if you have pets, consider getting some low-light, pet-friendly plants to keep them safe.

Q. What does the Silver Dollar Plant symbolize?

Silver Dollar Plants often symbolize wealth and prosperity due to their coin-shaped leaves or seed pods. In some regions, it also indicates honesty, harmony, and good fortune.