The Chinese Money Plant, or Pilea peperomioides, is a favored houseplant known for its unique coin-shaped leaves. While the plant is generally forgiving, watering needs are the most important factor in maintaining its health and distinctive appearance. Finding the correct balance prevents discoloration or leaf drop, as the root system is susceptible to being overly saturated.
Determining When the Plant Needs Water
The frequency of watering should never be based on a fixed schedule, but rather on the soil’s current moisture level. The most reliable method is the “finger test”: insert your index finger one to two inches deep into the potting mix. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time to water the plant thoroughly.
This plant prefers to dry out almost completely between waterings and should not be kept in consistently damp soil. Allowing the soil to dry helps prevent the roots from sitting in overly saturated conditions, which can lead to decay. Avoid letting the soil become bone dry for extended periods, as this can cause stress and leaf loss.
Environmental factors like light, humidity, and season significantly influence how quickly the soil dries. During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, watering may be needed weekly. Cooler, darker winter months may require watering only every ten to fourteen days.
Best Practices for Watering Technique
When the soil is dry enough, the technique for applying water is crucial. Always water the plant thoroughly from the top until water freely drains out of the pot’s bottom drainage holes. This deep soaking ensures that all the roots are fully saturated.
A pot with proper drainage is necessary because the Pilea cannot tolerate having “wet feet.” After the initial soaking, discard any excess water that collects in the saucer after about 15 to 20 minutes. Allowing the plant to sit in standing water quickly leads to root rot.
Water quality can affect your Pilea, as the plant is sensitive to chemicals found in tap water, particularly fluoride and chlorine. If you notice brown spots developing on the leaves, consider letting tap water sit in an open container for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate. Using filtered or distilled water can prevent chemical damage to the foliage.
Troubleshooting Overwatering and Underwatering
Improper watering is the most common source of issues, presenting with distinct visual symptoms that help diagnose the problem. The most frequent issue is overwatering, which causes leaves to turn yellow, become mushy, or droop because the roots are suffocating. Prolonged overwatering leads to root rot, which can cause the stem base to feel soft and result in dark patches on the leaves.
If you suspect overwatering, immediately stop watering and allow the soil to dry out completely. If the problem is severe, gently remove the plant to inspect the roots. Prune any roots that are dark, soft, or mushy before repotting in fresh, well-draining soil.
Underwatering is less common due to the plant’s slight drought tolerance, but it causes the leaves to lose their firmness, sometimes leading to crispy edges or a dull color. Leaves will droop rapidly when underwatered, but they typically perk up quickly after the plant receives water. If the soil is bone dry, bottom-soaking the pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes allows the soil to absorb moisture from the drainage holes. This ensures thorough saturation.