How to Care Pilea Plant? Tips and Guide
A Pilea grows well in dry conditions, and it can adapt well to low lighting. It is low maintenance, making it a good start for new plant owners. Its identity is derived from its bright green coin-shaped leaves an identity that cannot be mistaken. With that in mind, let us learn more tips for Pilea peperomioides.
In Chinese, it is known as the Money plant, the UFO, or the missionary plant. It has unique, eye-catching foliage that creates a bright green shade. For years, its popularity was in Scandinavia until a Norwegian missionary propagated it to Europe and made it popular.
The pilea has only been available in the USA in the past few years and has become a favorite to its enthusiasts in these two worlds. Since it thrives in little light, it is not advisable to keep it out in direct sunlight as too much direct sun burns the leaves. On the other hand, too little light affects the general health of the pilea. Therefore, find a perfect spot to place it and it will thrive.
Tips on How to care for a Pilea Peperomioides
You will know your Pilea is healthy once it sprouts tiny pups that you can use to breed or share with others. It is often normal for the plant to be overwatered than underwatered. As a new owner, assess its water needs by checking the soil’s moisture to ensure it’s not moist under the surface then you can treat it right.
Before you water the new plant, aerate the soil because it is compacted before transit to ensure that the plant does not move. Before the next watering, ensure that the soil is dry to avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot and eventual death. Watering the pilea once a week is sufficient.
If you notice drooping leaves, take it as an indicator of watering needs, which you can always confirm by testing the soil. Since the plant’s growth rotates around the light, make sure you rotate it on all sides and dust off the leaves to allow for efficient photosynthesis. Rotating it often encourages uniform healthy growth. Use a soft damp cloth to leave the leaves shiny and healthy.
As you dust, take time to inspect it on the underside and look out for pests keeping in mind that all plants are unique, and their needs can vary depending on location. Please pay attention to the watering needs of your Pilea Peperomioides to keep them healthy for a long time.
Pilea Care and Repotting
Repotting a Pilea encourages growth as a little more room allows the pups to spread out. A pot with a drainage hole(s) helps prevent root rot. You can purchase a terra cotta pot from local hardware as they are simply because they are made from natural clay, which allows the soil to breathe, unlike a plastic one.
You can use a plastic pot, but in overwatering, the terracotta dries up fast, which will help in breathing and growth. When watering, you can take the pot out, let it drain, then take it back when it’s not dripping.
First, place a few stones at the bottom like one inch deep to help in drainage after watering and prevent root rot. Get well-draining soil from your local greenhouse or hardware store. Depending on your location, you can mix in a little fine sand to help the soil dry up fast.
Pilea peperomioides need only a little light to grow, and you only need to place it near the biggest window in your house. It grows long legs following the light, but indirect light will keep it for longer. Once you understand your plant, it will amaze you.
You can place them outside but under a shade during summer, and once temperatures drop, you put them back in the house. Rotate the pilea after each watering to let it grow even as it will always follow the light.
Propagating
Pilea reproduces very fast. Baby plants will grow from the soil or the stem as your Pilea matures, near the dirt called pups. They grow from the root but pop out from the dirt or stem. You can decide to cut them from the mother plant or grow them to create a beautiful full mother plant.
Repotting for small pilea plants can be done every 12-18 months, and choose a vessel slightly bigger than the previous one to allow growth. A huge pot will drown the plant and cause root rot. You can also retain your current pot but change the soil and trim the roots and foliage and do so during spring or summer as it is when the plant is strongest.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing it can give an extra boost of growth during spring and summer. Although there is a debate about using fertilizers, use the simple formula 10-10-10 when watering. Add a little into the watering can following the given instructions on the label. Liquid fertilizer spreads evenly throughout the plant, and it is highly recommended.
Brown spotting under the leaves can be a result of overwatering or too much fertilizer. Overwatering will cause the leaves of a Pilea to be brown at the edges, and they will begin to fall. Once you notice these spots, feel the soil, and if it is moist, drain the excess water till the soil dries up.
Conclusion
The Pilea peperomioides leaves grow layering on each other, forming a large green coin that earned its name, the Chinese money plant. It is thought to be the bearer of good fortune, money, and abundance to the owner, which explains why it is usually the perfect housewarming gift.
Pilea is low maintenance, and every new plant owner can begin with it. The only requirement is watering every once in a while, and putting it near steady light and not direct sunlight. After watering, rotate the plant and dust off the leaves to keep them shining and healthy.
