The pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese money plant, is a true gem. It’s playful, very pleasing to the eye, and fairly easy to care for.
Pilea plants grow like crazy and then make babies so you can share them with other people. I love my piűea plant and can’t help but smile every time I look at it. Their quirky form is like no other plant.
People shared pilea plants, also known as Chinese money plants, and the plant slowly made its way to the United States in the last few years. I love learning/reading the history about this plant. The exact place it was found and the person who brought it and shared it can be found.
The pilea is a beautiful plant that is also very easy to take care of and very hardy. Here are some tips for taking care of it:
I’ve found that repotting a pilea really helps it grow. Giving it some room to move around will help the pups spread out. To help prevent root rot, use a pot with a drainage hole.
These drill bits are great for making a hole in the bottom of an earthenware pot if you love a pot that doesn’t have one.
I love the trusty terracotta pot since they are utilitarian and simple. Since terracotta is made from natural clay, it will let the soil breathe a little more than a plastic pot would.
Don’t get me wrong, you can use a plastic pot or a heavily glazed pot with a drainage hole. But if you water your pilea too much by accident, the terracotta will be better because it dries out faster.
If you have a decorative pot that you love, simply stick your terracotta pot inside your decorative one.
When it’s time to water, I’ll take the terracotta pot out of the decorative pot, let it drain all the way, and then put it back in the decorative pot.
To repot your pilea, pour some small stones on the bottom about 1-inch deep. The rocks aid with drainage and will help your plant not succumb to root rot. For soil, I use a quality, well draining potting mix.
Your local greenhouse should have this, or you can pick some up at your local hardware store. My mix has a bit of fine sand in it. My home is in southern Missouri, and the months are pretty humid. The sand helps the plant dry out a little faster.
The adorably round-leafed Pilea peperomioides also known as the Chinese money plant or pancake plant, is quickly becoming one of the most popular houseplants around. And for good reason! This easy-going plant is super simple to care for and propagate making it an excellent option for beginners and experts alike.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing the Pilea peperomioides, including:
- Origin and history
- Plant characteristics
- Light, water, humidity needs
- Soil, fertilizer requirements
- Propagation and pruning
- Potential issues and solutions
- Styling and display ideas
Origins and History
The Pilea peperomioides hails from the forests of Yunnan Province in southern China. In its native habitat it grows in the cool shady forest understory. It was discovered by a Norwegian missionary in the 1940s and slowly made its way around to enthusiasts in Europe, then Africa, then the Americas – spread by folks sharing cuttings.
Its common names Chinese money plant and pancake plant refer to its charming round coin-shaped leaves. The generic name Pilea refers to the plant’s resemblance to the nettles of the Pilea genus.
Plant Characteristics
The Pilea peperomioides is an evergreen perennial growing to about 12 inches (30 cm) tall and wide. Its most striking feature is its nearly perfectly round flat pancake-shaped leaves of bright green with a lightly crinkled texture. The leaves are attached to trailing reddish-green succulent stems.
Tiny white flowers occasionally peek out from the base of the plant but are unremarkable. The real show is the foliage!
In the right conditions, this plant grows rapidly and produces clumps of baby “pups” at its base. These pups and stem cuttings are the primary means of propagation.
Light Requirements
The Pilea peperomioides does best in moderate to bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is ideal in most homes. Avoid direct hot sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Insufficient light will cause leggy growth with smaller leaves. Make sure to occasionally rotate your plant to prevent it from leaning towards the light source.
Watering and Humidity
This plant prefers evenly moist but well-draining soil. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly. The leaves will begin to look limp and droop when it needs water.
Average home humidity is fine. Avoid overly dry air which can cause leaf tips to brown. Group plants together to create a little more humidity.
Soil and Fertilizing
Use a well-draining potting mix, amending with additional perlite if needed to prevent sogginess. Fertilize monthly in the spring through summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted by half.
Propagation and Pruning
Propagating new Pilea peperomioides plants from pups is super easy and satisfying! Just gently twist off the pups and pot them up in small pots of moist soil. Keep them warm and humid while the new roots establish.
You can also root stem cuttings in water or soil. To prune, snip off any leggy stems to keep the plant full and compact. Pruning helps direct energy to new growth.
Potential Issues and Solutions
This hardy plant is quite tolerant of beginner mistakes, but watch for these potential issues:
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Drooping leaves – Usually a sign of underwatering. Check if the soil is dry and water thoroughly.
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Yellow leaves – Often caused by overwatering or overly moist soil. Allow the plant to dry out more between waterings.
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Leggy growth – Needs more light. Move to a brighter location.
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Brown leaf tips – Dry air, increase humidity.
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Few pups – Not enough light, move to a brighter spot.
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Pests – Mealybugs and mites occasionally. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap.
Display and Styling
The Pilea peperomioides offers many decorative possibilities! Its bright pop of green pairs well with any decor. Here are some tips:
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Show off alone in a modern planter as a sculptural accent.
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Group a few together for fuller, bushier appearance.
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Plant in a hanging basket to trail over the sides.
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Mix with other houseplants like peperomia, ferns, cacti.
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Display on plant stands, shelves, windowsills, side tables.
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Add top dressing like pebbles for an ornamental touch.
The Takeaway
With its cute form, easy care, and propagation, it’s no wonder the Pilea peperomioides is gaining popularity! Follow this care guide for the happy, healthy Pilea of your dreams. This adaptable little plant will add lively texture and a pop of green to your indoor garden.
How Much Water Do Pilea Plants Need?
You have to water your pilea moderately, but do not overwater it. They like to dry out in-between waterings and they don’t like to stay soggy. I stick my finger in the dirt and lift the pot to see if it still feels heavy from the last watering.
If it feels dry to the touch, then I water it again. Allow it to dry out between waterings, but make sure it doesn’t get too dry (it’s tough and can handle it). I water mine once a week.
I will wait a few more days and check on the plant again if it still feels wet. The other day, a friend texted me a picture of her pilea which was drooping quite a bit. We came to the conclusion that it needed to be watered. It had dried out a bit too long!.
Just keep an eye on it, and it will tell you what it needs and when it needs it. Someone at a nearby greenhouse told me that overwatering the pilea is one of the only ways to kill it.
When you water your pilea, never let it sit in water. Once you’ve watered it, make sure that you empty the excess water that catches in your bottom dish. If the soil stays wet for too long, the roots will rot, which will probably kill the plant.
I tend to water too much, and it took me a while to control my urge to “nurture” (read: water too much) the plant.
How to Care For Pilea Peperomioides – CHINESE MONEY PLANT
FAQ
Should I put a coin in my Chinese Money Plant?
Where is the best place to put a Chinese Money Plant?
Is Peperomia a Chinese money plant?
The raindrop Peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya) in particular looks so much like the Chinese money plant that houseplant lovers often confuse them. In reality, Pileas are actually members of the nettle family, Urticaceae, and not that closely related to Peperomia.
Can You propagate a Chinese money plant with a single leaf?
Leaf propagation: Yep, it is technically possible to propagate a Chinese money plant using a single leaf, although the success rates are a little lower. The key is to also remove a tiny bit of stem when you take the leaf cutting. If you don’t, the leaf may root in water, but it will never grow.
What is a Pilea peperomioides aka friendship plant?
One of our favourite things about the Pilea Peperomioides AKA Friendship Plant is that you can propagate it quite easily. Hence the nickname, this houseplant produces lots and lots of mini baby Pileas (perfect for sharing with friends).
What is the best potting medium for Pilea peperomioides?
The potting medium for growing Pilea peperomioides should be a combination of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. A well-draining potting medium should partially dry out between waterings. If the soil is too dense, the roots will be constantly damp, putting your plant at risk of root rot or fungal diseases.