People in the UK like to keep Chinese money plants as houseplants because they are easy to care for and grow.
But there are some things that can go wrong when you grow these plants, and brown or yellow leaves on your plant are often a sign that something is wrong.
These days, leaves turn brown or yellow when there are problems with the conditions in which the plant is grown.
Find out how to avoid these problems or fix them if your leaves have already turned a different color by reading on.
The Chinese money plant also known as Pilea peperomioides is an incredibly popular houseplant known for its pancake-shaped leaves and easy care. However, even this hardy plant can develop issues. One common problem is brown spots appearing on the leaves.
Don’t panic if you notice this on your Pilea! Brown spots usually indicate simple environmental stresses that can be corrected. With a few adjustments to care, your Chinese money plant can bounce back.
What Causes Brown Spots on Pilea Leaves?
Brown splotches on the leaves are most often caused by:
- Sunburn from too much direct light
- Cold damage if exposed to drafty windows in winter
- Irregular watering leading to edema
- Mineral deposits from hard water
- Fertilizer burn if over-fertilized
So in most cases, brown spots signal that some aspect of care needs tweaking Pay attention to when and where spots appear to deduce the trigger. Once the cause is identified, take action to remedy it
Sunburn Brown Spots
Leaf surfaces exposed to intense direct sunlight commonly develop brown sunburn lesions. Check for spots if your Pilea sits in a south-facing window or gets more than 2-3 hours of direct sun daily.
Filter the light with a sheer curtain. Or move the plant back from the window and provide supplemental lighting. Pilea thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sun scorches its leaves over time.
Cold Damage Spots
Another prime culprit is exposure to cold drafts in winter, Pilea prefers temperatures above 60°F and can incur chilling injury,
Scan leaves for brownish, raised blister-like spots if your plant endured cold windows or AC vents. Protect it with insulation or move it to a warmer area.
Edema Bumps
Erratic watering provokes oedema – tiny bumps on leaves that often turn brown. This arises from cycles of overwatering and drought stress.
Keep soil evenly moist, allowing the top inch to dry between waterings. And use a well-draining mix to prevent soggy roots. Consistency is key to prevent edema.
Hard Water Spots
White mineral deposits on leaves are normal, but can develop brown centers over time. This is due to salts and minerals in tap water.
Filter water or use distilled or rainwater if your tap water seems hard. This reduces mineral buildup. Gently wipe leaves occasionally to clear deposits.
Fertilizer Burn
Finally, fertilizer burn manifests as brown blotches. It’s caused by using too much or applying fertilizer when soil is already wet.
Always dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength before use on Pilea. And refrain from feeding in winter when growth is slower. This prevents over-fertilization damage.
How to Treat Brown Spots on Pilea
Once you’ve deduced the cause, here are some treatment tips:
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Cut off badly affected leaves to improve appearance.
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Move plant to appropriate lighting if sunburned.
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Apply fungicide if fungal infection is present.
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Aerate soil and cut back on watering if overwatered.
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Switch to filtered or distilled water to prevent hard water buildup.
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Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove mineral deposits.
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Hold off on fertilizing and flush soil if fertilizer burn occurred.
With some tweaks to care, your Pilea should perk back up and produce new, healthy foliage. Be vigilant about checking both sides of leaves to catch issues early.
Preventing Brown Spots on Chinese Money Plants
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when growing Pilea peperomioides. Follow these tips to avoid issues with brown spots:
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Acclimate plant gradually to increased sunlight in spring.
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Keep away from cold drafts in winter.
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Use room temperature water rather than cold tap water.
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Allow soil to dry out some between waterings.
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Use a well-aerated, fast-draining soil mix.
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Filter hard water or use distilled.
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Apply diluted fertilizer only during active growth.
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Inspect frequently for pests like spider mites.
With attention to siting, watering, and feeding, you can keep your Chinese money plant’s foliage pristine. Monitor closely and respond promptly to any signs of trouble. Consistency and quick action are key for Pilea health.
Frequency of Entities
chinese money plant: 5
pilea: 7
leaves: 10
brown spots: 8
watering: 3
soil: 5
light: 3
fertilizer: 3
cold: 2
mineral deposits: 2
hard water: 2
sunburn: 2
Incorrect Light Levels
Leaves can turn pale and droop where sunlight is insufficient.
Brown spots can develop due to sunburn or sun scorch on leaves exposed to too much direct light.
So, another important thing to check is that plants are getting the right amount of light.
Your plant should be somewhere bright, but not in direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Fluctuations
Leaves can sometimes die back or turn brown due to exposure to low temperatures.
Remember, these plants are tender houseplants and should not be exposed to temperatures below around 12°C.
If the temperature inside your home changes a lot or if you move your plants outside in the summer, brown or yellow leaves can also be a sign of stress.
When you bring your plant inside, make sure it’s not near a heat source like a stove or radiator where temperatures can change quickly. Also, keep it away from places where there are sudden drafts.
Pilea Peperomioides TOP 5 Problems and Fixes
FAQ
Why does my Chinese Money Plant have brown spots?
How to treat brown spots on money plant leaves?
What does an overwatered Chinese Money Plant look like?
How do you treat brown spots on plant leaves?
Why is my Chinese money plant turning brown?
Pests may also cause brown patches on the leaves of your Chinese Money Plant. Sap-sucking pests like mealybugs damage foliage. They leave spots on the leaves that turn from yellow to brown when they die off. These spots will be much smaller than those caused by direct sunlight exposure. If this is the case, start by identifying the pest.
What causes white spots on Chinese money plant leaves?
Small white spots that appear on the undersides of Chinese Money Plant leaves are simply mineral deposits. They appear during the plant’s natural growth processes. They can be left alone or simply wiped off the leaves and have no adverse effects on growth. If you want to limit these spots, try using filtered rather than tap water.
Are Chinese money plants shaded?
In their native habitats, Chinese Money Plants are shaded underneath trees and other shrubs. They receive dappled light most of the day, equating to bright indirect light indoors. They cannot handle direct sunlight very well and can face damage if exposed to bright rays for too long.
Should you buy a Chinese money plant?
If you are a house plant lover, some people may have proposed Pilea peperomoides, famously known as the Chinese money plant, because it is easy to take care of. When you buy this plant to beautify your home, you do not anticipate encountering problems; unfortunately, issues are bound to arise with your plant sooner or later.
What should I do if my Chinese money plant gets too much sunlight?
If your Chinese money plant has been in too much direct sunlight, then simply move it If your Pilea Peperomioides have been in too much direct sunlight, then simply move it to a different area for a few days and be sure that it is properly watered. After a week or so, give it sunlight again.
How do you care for a Chinese money plant?
Just be sure the plant is still getting enough light to survive and don’t forget to adjust your watering schedule. A plant that isn’t receiving as much light doesn’t need as much water either. Leaf curling on Pilea peperomioides. Chinese money plant bugs: help!