The Chinese money plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides, is an incredibly popular houseplant known for its unique coin-shaped leaves. With proper care, these plants can thrive for years, producing handsome foliage and occasionally little “pups” that can be propagated into new plants.
One key to keeping your Chinese money plant healthy is using the right potting soil. This plant needs a specialized mix that drains well and provides aeration for the roots.
Read on to learn more about the best potting mixes and soil components to use for your Pilea peperomioides.
Why Good Soil Matters
Choosing an appropriate potting mix is important for the health and vigor of any houseplant, and Chinese money plants are no exception. Here’s why the soil matters:
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Promotes healthy roots – The right soil encourages extensive root growth to anchor and support plant growth.
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Good drainage – Chinese money plants are prone to root rot in wet soil. Fast drainage prevents moisture buildup
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Provides air pockets – Aeration allows oxygen to reach roots Dense, compacted soil suffocates roots.
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Supports growth – Nutrient-rich organic matter fuels plant processes and new foliage production
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Retains some moisture – Soil needs to hold some water available for plant uptake between waterings.
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Anchors the plant – Roots spread to stabilize the plant and keep it upright in the pot.
When you use a soil that offers these benefits, your Chinese money plant will be set up for success. Read on to learn about the ideal soil components and mixes to choose from.
Best Potting Mixes for Chinese Money Plants
The basic ingredient for any houseplant should be a quality potting soil or potting mix. This provides organic matter to retain moisture and nutrients.
However, potting mix alone is too dense and moisture-retentive for a pilea. Choose a commercial blend formulated for cacti and succulents, or amend regular potting soil with the following ingredients:
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Perlite – This volcanic rock is used in potting mixes to improve drainage and aeration. It prevents soil from compacting and creates air pockets. Perlite also helps buffer soil pH.
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Pumice – Like perlite, pumice is porous and lightweight. It aerates the soil and provides fast drainage to keep roots from sitting wet.
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Coarse sand or gravel – Inorganic particles of sand, gravel and small stones improve drainage to complement the water-retentive potting soil.
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Coconut coir – Coir is a sustainable alternative to peat moss. It retains moisture but is harder to overwater than standard potting mix.
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Bark or charcoal – These porous, lightweight amendments aerate the soil and prevent compaction.
A good starting mix is equal parts potting soil, perlite or pumice, and either sand or coconut coir. Then adjust components as needed based on your conditions.
Soil Requirements for Chinese Money Plants
To keep your Pilea peperomioides thriving, look for a soil that provides:
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Excellent drainage – This is key to prevent soggy soil that leads to root rot. The mix should drain quickly after watering.
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Lightweight and airy texture – Dense, compacted soil is unsuitable. The mix needs a loose, crumbly texture that allows air circulation.
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Slightly acidic pH – Pilea grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0-6.5. Coconut coir and peat help buffer pH.
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Moisture-retention – The soil must dry out some between waterings but still retain adequate moisture for roots. Aim for quick drainage but avoid very arid mixes.
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Nutrients – Standard potting mix provides nutrients. But homemade mixes benefit from added organic fertilizer or compost.
Follow these guidelines when creating your own Pilea peperomioides potting mix. Monitor your plant’s needs and adjust the components as required.
Tips for Repotting Chinese Money Plants
Repotting into fresh soil allows you to amend the potting mix and provide new nutrients for your plant. Follow these tips when it’s time to repot your pilea:
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Repot in early spring before active growth begins.
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Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current container. Don’t overpot.
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Gently loosen the root ball and remove any old soil before repotting.
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Pack new soil firmly around the roots to stabilize the plant. Leave no air gaps.
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Water thoroughly after repotting and let excess drain out the holes before returning to the saucer.
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Avoid fertilizing for a month after repotting to prevent salt buildup.
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Monitor soil moisture closely in the weeks following repotting as the plant establishes.
With the right soil components and a little repotting care, you can keep your Chinese money plant growing strong in any indoor environment!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If your Chinese money plant develops issues, the cause may be improper soil conditions. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:
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Leaf curling – Indicates too much water retention. Amend soil to improve drainage.
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Leaf spots – May signal overwatering. Allow soil to dry out further between waterings.
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Dropping leaves – Could mean overly dry soil. Check soil moisture more frequently.
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Root rot – Caused by overly damp soil. Repot in a better draining mix.
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Stunted growth – Can result from nutrient deficiency. Work compost or fertilizer into soil.
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Leaning plant – Suggests loose, unstable soil. Firm up soil when repotting.
Adjusting the potting mix is the first step to getting a struggling Chinese money plant healthy again. Evaluate soil moisture and drainage to pinpoint any issues.
Best Practices for Watering and Fertilizing
Caring properly for your Chinese money plant is just as important as choosing the right soil. Here are some key tips:
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Allow soil to dry out almost completely between thorough waterings. Pilea hate soggy soil.
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Water less frequently in winter when growth slows.
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Flush soil regularly with water to prevent salt and mineral buildup.
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Fertilize monthly in spring through fall with a balanced houseplant food. Avoid excess nitrogen.
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Reduce feeding in winter. Only fertilize if the plant is actively growing.
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Check for pests like spider mites that may indicate overly dry soil.
With the proper soil and care regimen, a Chinese money plant will reward you with its unique foliage for years to come!
Picking the right potting mix is key to growing a healthy Pilea peperomioides. Chinese money plants need a lightweight, fast-draining soil blend to prevent overwatering. Combine potting soil, perlite or pumice, and coconut coir or sand to create an ideal mix. Repotting into fresh soil annually provides new nutrients for growth. Along with proper watering and fertilizing habits, your Chinese money plant will thrive indoors when given a suitable soil foundation.
General Pilea Peperomioides Care Tips
China money plant likes a lot of light but stays away from direct sunlight and heat. My plant is about 6 to 8 feet across from my southwest window. It gets direct sunlight in the late afternoon, but it’s not hot because it’s so far away from the window.
It’s pretty easy to tell when this plant needs water, which is what I LOVE most about it. I let it dry out between waterings and watch for the leaves to droop slightly. When it’s ready, give it a good soak until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Make sure to discard of any water that collects in the cache pot or saucer. I also mostly use filtered water but do sometimes water from the tap.
Soil: I treat this plant a lot like a succulent or peperomia; it needs soil that drains well. It seems to do well in a mix of potting soil, cactus soil, and extra perlite. I’ve also put it in a terracotta pot which helps with moisture management. Some of this plant’s leaves were curling before I re-potted it, and I’m sure it was because the pot held too much water. Since re-potting in a better draining soil, there are no more curled leaves.
Humidity: Pilea Peperomioides does well in standard household humidity. And mine is fine here in southern Alberta which can be quite dry.
Fertilizer: I feed my pilea plant a general houseplant fertilizer every two weeks in the summer. In the winter, as long as it has new growth, I’ll feed it only half as often.
Pruning and propagation: Pilea peperomioides will grow babies around the base of the plant. You can let them grow there, or when they’re about 2 inches tall, you can cut the stem below the soil with a clean knife. Plant into it’s own pot and water a bit more often than you’d water the mother plant.
Toxicity: This is a non-toxic plant however it’s best to not let curious mouths chew on it. One never knows when there may be a reaction. I will also say that this is one plant my cat is attracted to. She loves the bouncy leaves and I think she may enjoy the slight herby smell too.
Best soil for Pilea Peperomioides.
FAQ
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