The Pilea peperomioides, known as the Chinese Money Plant, Pancake Plant, or UFO Plant, is a popular indoor houseplant. Native to China, this perennial is cherished for its distinctive, round, coin-shaped leaves, which give it a unique appearance. Its straightforward care also makes it an excellent choice for many homes.
Caring for Your Pilea
Light Needs
Pilea plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which is optimal for their health and appearance. An east or west-facing window provides ample light without harsh direct exposure. Direct sunlight, especially strong afternoon sun, can scorch leaves and cause brown burn marks. While Pilea can adapt to lower light, this may result in leggy growth, smaller leaves, and fewer offshoots. Rotate the plant regularly, perhaps weekly, to ensure even growth and prevent leaning towards the light source.
Watering Your Pilea
Pilea prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to become dry before rewatering thoroughly. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, so ensure adequate drainage.
Drooping leaves often signal thirst, but always verify soil moisture before watering. Water until it drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard excess water from the saucer. Some growers use filtered or distilled water to avoid leaf browning from tap water chemicals.
Soil and Potting
Pilea plants need a well-draining and aerated soil mix to prevent soggy roots. Enhance a standard houseplant potting mix with perlite or orchid bark for improved drainage. A succulent or cactus potting mix also works well. Peat-based mixes can compact, so adding coco coir helps maintain soil structure and water retention. Terracotta pots can further assist moisture management by wicking away excess water.
Temperature and Humidity
Pilea plants thrive in average indoor temperatures, between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). They tolerate typical household humidity. However, higher humidity can be beneficial, especially in drier environments, preventing crispy leaf edges. Increase humidity by misting leaves or placing the pot on a pebble tray. Keep your Pilea away from cold drafts or direct airflow from vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations stress the plant.
Fertilizing
Pilea plants are not heavy feeders and require fertilization primarily during their active growing season (spring and summer). Apply a diluted, balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer about once a month at half the recommended strength. Stop fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant is dormant and doesn’t need additional feeding. Over-fertilization can cause brown spots on leaves.
Propagating Pilea
Pilea plants are known for producing many small offshoots, called “pups,” which emerge from the soil around the mother plant. These pups offer an easy way to propagate new plants. Separate pups when they are a couple of inches tall and have developed their own small root systems. Gently move soil away from the pup’s base to check for sufficient roots.
To separate a pup, use a clean, sharp knife to gently sever its stem from the mother plant, ensuring some roots are included. Pups can be propagated in water or soil.
For water propagation, place the cut stem in water until roots develop. For soil propagation, plant the pup directly into a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist until the new plant establishes roots. Pilea can also be propagated from stem cuttings, though this is less common than using pups.
Troubleshooting Pilea Issues
Changes in Pilea leaves indicate its health and care needs. Yellowing leaves, especially older ones at the base, can be natural aging, but widespread yellowing often signals watering issues (too much or too little). Overwatering frequently causes soggy soil and root problems. Drooping leaves are a sign of underwatering, indicating the plant needs a drink. Persistent droopiness can also suggest insufficient light.
Brown, crispy edges or spots on leaves indicate low humidity, especially in dry indoor environments, or underwatering. Excessive direct sunlight can also cause brown, burned spots. Leggy growth, characterized by long, stretched stems with sparse leaves, signals insufficient light. While Pilea plants are generally resistant, common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs may appear. Regularly inspect your plant and treat infestations with organic pest control methods, such as neem oil.
Repotting Your Pilea
Repotting Pilea provides fresh nutrients and room for growth. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing from drainage holes, the plant becoming top-heavy, or soil degradation. Smaller plants need repotting every 12 to 18 months.
Choose a new pot only one to two inches larger in diameter, ensuring it has drainage holes. The best time for repotting is during spring or summer, coinciding with the plant’s active growing season.
Gently remove the Pilea from its old pot, minimizing root stress. Loosen the root ball and trim any dead or circling roots to encourage new growth. Place fresh, well-draining potting mix in the new pot, position the plant, and fill around the root ball, keeping the plant at the same depth.