Xerosicyos danguyi (Silver Dollar plant)

The Xerosicyos Danguyi (Silver Dollar plant) thrives in bright light, ideally placed less than 50 cm from a south or east facing window.

Native to the arid regions of Madagascar, this climbing succulent is naturally accustomed to intense sunlight. It tolerates a few hours of direct morning sun, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining its compact and vibrant leaves. In summer, a light shade cloth can be helpful to prevent scorching if the sun is very intense in the middle of the afternoon.

In autumn and winter, move it as close as possible to the light source. The reduced light during the shorter months can cause internodes to elongate and the foliage to lighten, characteristic signs of insufficient light in this species.

Important tip 🌿Avoid dark rooms or locations far from windows: Xerosicyos Danguyi's growth slows considerably in low light and it becomes vulnerable to excessive root moisture. For poorly lit interiors, ourhorticultural lamp to stimulate growthfaithfully imitates natural light, without the harmful UV rays.

Xerosicyos Danguyi (Silver Dollar plant) is considered moderately toxic to cats, dogs, and young children.

Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, Xerosicyos Danguyi contains cucurbitacin compounds, triterpenes naturally present in this botanical family, the ingestion of which can cause digestive irritation. These substances have a particularly bitter taste that generally discourages large quantities.

If a pet or child ingests the leaves or stems, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or oral irritation may occur. These symptoms are usually mild, but it is advisable to consult a veterinarian or doctor as a precaution.

What precautions should be taken on a daily basis?

Ideally, place your Silver Dollar plant in a high location or in a room inaccessible to pets and young children. Its natural climbing habit makes it easy to position high up on a shelf or attached to a wall bracket.

With a few simple placement precautions, the Xerosicyos Danguyi can be serenely integrated into a home with animals or children, while retaining its place of choice in your space.

The leaves of the Xerosicyos Danguyi (Silver Dollar plant) most often turn yellow due to overwatering, insufficient light, or a nutrient deficiency.

• If the leaves turn yellow and become soft or translucent, the problem usually stems from excess water causing the beginning of root rot.
• If the leaves gradually turn yellow while remaining firm and dry, the plant often lacks light or fertilizer.
• If the yellowing is accompanied by small light spots, a dull appearance or fine webbing, it may be a mite infestation, common indoors, especially in dry atmospheres.

Xerosicyos Danguyi stores water reserves in its thick, fleshy leaves: when repeatedly overwatered, these leaves lose their characteristic firmness before turning yellow, which is an early warning sign that should not be ignored.

Important tip 🌿One or two old leaves turning yellow from time to time is perfectly normal: it is part of the plant's natural cycle.On the other hand, there is cause for concern if several leaves turn yellow rapidly, if the phenomenon spreads to young leaves, or if growth slows down significantly.

In case of a mite infestation, prioritize ourplant-friendly biological treatmentseffective and suitable for the care of indoor plants.

The Xerosicyos Danguyi (Silver Dollar plant) is ideally repotted in the spring, between March and May, when growth actively resumes.

Repotting is necessary when:

• The roots emerge through the drainage holes.
• Growth slows despite adequate exposure and watering.
• or that the substrate compacts too quickly after watering.

Xerosicyos Danguyi develops a relatively compact and unobtrusive root system for a climbing plant, allowing it to thrive in the same container for a long time. Repotting every 2 to 3 years is generally sufficient for a mature specimen.

Choose a pot 2 to 3 cm wider than the old one, and make sure it has drainage holes. Ourtransparent pots to monitor the rootsare ideal: their transparency allows you to easily observe the condition of the roots after repotting, without disturbing the plant.

Prepare a well-draining and aerated substrate. We recommend ourwell-draining substrates enriched with biostimulantsdesigned to promote drainage and oxygenation of the roots. For this species, ourversatile substrate made in Franceis particularly suitable, lightweight and well-draining.

1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, tapping the pot if necessary to loosen the root ball without pulling on the stems.
2. Gently untangle the roots if they are compacted, without breaking them.
3. Place a layer of substrate at the bottom of the pot, position the plant upright, then fill in without burying the crown.

Important tip 🌿After repotting, water moderately to help the substrate settle around the roots. Ensure that excess water can drain freely. Repotting every two to three years is more than sufficient to ensure healthy and balanced growth for your Xerosicyos Danguyi.

Xerosicyos Danguyi (Silver Dollar plant) is fertilized every 2 to 3 weeks from March to October, with a liquid fertilizer diluted in the watering water.

During autumn and winter, from November to February, significantly reduce or stop fertilizing. This is a period of dormancy during which the plant produces few or no new leaves.

Due to its arid Malagasy origin, Xerosicyos Danguyi is not very demanding in terms of nutrients and does not tolerate excess fertilizers well: light and regular fertilization is always preferable to overly concentrated inputs, which risk burning its fine and sensitive roots.

A well-balanced intake promotes:

• denser, more colorful foliage
• regular stem growth,
• and improved plant resistance.

👉 For best results, we recommend ourliquid fertilizer, easy to dose with graduated pipettePractical and effective, with results visible quickly. Instructions for use are included directly on the label and product information sheet.

Important tip 🌿Never fertilize a dry substrate: it could burn the roots.Water normally first, then apply the diluted fertilizer 2 to 3 days later, when the substrate is slightly moist. Regular but moderate fertilization will keep your Xerosicyos Danguyi vigorous and healthy 💚

Water the Xerosicyos Danguyi (Silver Dollar plant) when the substrate has dried out completely, approximately every 10 to 15 days in summer and every 25 to 35 days in winter. Use room temperature water.

How do I know when to water?

The finger test remains the most reliable method: insert your index finger into the substrate to a depth of 2 to 3 cm. If the substrate is dry, it's time to water. If it's still damp, wait a few more days.

Thanks to its thick, fleshy leaves that serve as water reserves, Xerosicyos Danguyi is perfectly adapted to long periods without watering. This natural storage capacity, inherited from its arid Malagasy habitat, allows it to survive periods of drought unscathed, making it a plant particularly tolerant of occasional neglect.

Important advice:When in doubt, it's always better to wait a little longer than to overwater. Succulents like Xerosicyos Danguyi are much better able to adapt to a lack of water than to excess, which quickly causes root rot.

Xerosicyos Danguyi (Silver Dollar plant) is propagated by stem cuttings, ideally in spring or early summer, when the plant is in full vegetative activity.

Stem cutting with prior dryingSelect a healthy stem with 2 to 3 well-formed, round leaves, and make a clean cut just below a node using ourStainless steel blade pruning shears for taking cuttings without damaging the plantA clean cut limits the risk of infection, which is essential for a succulent species susceptible to rot. Then let the cutting air dry for 24 to 48 hours so that the wound heals: this step is crucial for succulent cucurbits like Xerosicyos Danguyi, as it significantly reduces the risk of root rot.

1. After healing, place the cutting on the surface of a slightly moist, well-draining substrate, without burying it deeply.
2. Install it in ourtransparent pots to monitor root developmentwhich allow control of root development without disturbing the cutting.
3. Place the cutting in a bright and warm place, at least 22°C, without intense direct light at first.

For the final transplanting once the roots are well developed, use ouruniversal substrate enriched with essential nutrients, perfectly draining and suitable for climbing succulent plants.

Important tip 🌿Rooting of Xerosicyos Danguyi is generally quite slow, taking 4 to 8 weeks depending on the temperature and season. Maintain consistent warmth and avoid overwatering during this period: the substrate should remain very slightly moist, never soggy. The first signs of success are the appearance of a new small, round leaf at the top of the cutting and slight resistance when you gently pull on the stem.