So before you get your heart set on acquiring a Chinese money plant of your very own, read the following tips and advice on finding one, then caring for your hard-won prize.
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Pilea
Species: P. peperomioides
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| source: pinterest |
About This Plant
The Chinese money plant, also known as the missionary plant, lefse plant, pancake plant, UFO plant, or just pilea (short for its scientific name of Pilea peperomioides) is originally from the southwestern Yunnan province of China. Popular lore maintains that a Norwegian missionary, Agnar Espegren, took cuttings home with him in the 1940s, and shared them with friends and family. Those plants were spread throughout Scandinavia, and eventually the world, as people passed cutting between friends.
Pilea Peperomioides Care Tips
Origin: West Indies
Height: Up to 12 in (30 cm)
Light:
Bright light. Good bright lighting is so important and makes a huge difference in Pilea health and wellbeing. As I am located in the Southern Hemisphere, my Pilea plants enjoy ample, bright North-facing light. This is different if you’re located in the Northern Hemisphere, where you desire South-facing windows. Pilea plants prefer warm temperatures and bright indirect light.
No direct sunlight is required. My Pileas sit next to the window, where they can access all-day indirect light and they’re very happy there. You will notice the Pilea leaves tend to face or grow in the direction of the light. You can either opt for a slanted look (I like it because it adds character) or alternatively, you need to rotate the plant regularly, to achieve a more even look and growth.
Water: Spring through fall, water throughly. Use a pot with drainage holes and allow soil to dry out a little between waterings. Overwatering will cause leaves to wilt or fall off. Keep slightly drier in winter when growth is slower. Always use tepid water when watering houseplants.
Humidity: Moderate (around 40% relative humidity) or higher. If indoor air is dry in winter, raise the humidity around your houseplants. Brown leaf tips are caused by dry air.
Temperature: Warm room temperatures 65-85°F/18-29°C year-round. Pilea peperomioides will tolerate a minimum temperature of 55°F/13°C in winter.
Soil: Good-quality peat moss-based potting mix.
Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer, diluted by half.
PROPAGATION
Propagating Pilea plants are fun and relatively a simple, easy process. In the warmer Summer months, the “mother” Pilea plant will produce Pilea pups or “babies”. They normally appear up through the soil.
This is why it is important, not to cover the soil with any rocks or decorative pebbles, otherwise the Pilea pups have a hard time coming up in the soil. I usually wait a few weeks for the pups to become a decent size and then I gently remove the pup with sharp knife. I prefer to root them in water and then transfer to soil.
It will usually take about a month, for the baby Pilea to establish itself in the soil and produce its own new leaves. This process is so exciting, and before you know it, you will go from owning one Pilea to five Pilea plants in no time!
Once, you have gained experience growing Pilea plants in your home, you will be able to propagate them every Summer and spread the Pilea joy around. Share this gorgeous and easy to care for houseplant with all your family and plant loving friends. After all, sharing is caring!
