They call it Chinese Money Plant, Pancake Plant, Lefse Plant, Missionary Plant...
We like to call it Pass it On Plant! Easy to grow and to propagate, Pilea is one of the coolest houseplants around.
Pilea has come back! A pretty popular plant during the 60's and 70's, today it's conquering endless hearts on Instagram.
It gives instant warmth to the home, and it looks perfect when paired with a minimalist design, thanks to those smooth, unusual, modern-looking leaves, which remind of large green coins or small pancakes.
Pilea used to be rare and hard to find. In the past, people used to call it "pass it-on-plant": the only way to get a Pilea was to know someone having a Pilea, and who was willing to give away one of the sprouts.
How To Grow Your Pilea
Pilea hates overwatering: it needs to be watered only when the soil dries out: The best way to water is from the bottom, making sure that there's good drainage at the bottom of the pot. Remember to increase your watering when you repot your Pilea in a larger pot!
Remember also to feed once a month, using an all-purpose liquid fertilizer (20-20-20), diluted to half strength.
The best location for your Pilea is where it can receive bright indirect light but no direct sun. Rotate your plant occasionally if it receives light from only one side so that it keeps a nice even shape.
Also, Pilea likes it warm! Keep your plant between 60 and 80 °F (15-30 °C). Make sure the temperature doesn't go below 55° F (13° C) and avoid large fluctuations.
Pilea will suffer exposure to over 100° F (35° C): the best solution is to place your plant in a warm room with big windows, but out of the way of direct sunlight.
You can choose any pot for your Pilea; however, terracotta pots are considered the best choice for their ability to absorb moisture better. In any case, make sure the container you choose has drainage holes at the bottom so that the roots won't stay too wet.
Keep in mind that Pilea loves humid environments: that is why is a great plant for terrariums! If your home is dry, mist the leaves twice a week, buy a humidifer or create a humidty tray.
Easy To Care And To Propagate
This amazing plant requires very little maintenance and will keep on growing indefinitely if you follow these simple care instructions. Its beautiful dark green leaves flourish from a single stem and eventually form a thick canopy.
Once the plant has settled down in your house environment, sprouts will naturally start growing. You can easily propagate your Pilea by cutting these pups and multiply your collection. Cut the baby sprouts off, plant them in new pots and start your own Pilea Family!
After one year you bought your Pilea, you can repot the plant in a bigger pot to give it more room. When repotting your Pilea, use any all-purpose or tropical soil mixture with good drainage. Be sure to repot your Pilea, or just change the soil, every two years for optimal health.
Do not be surprised if the soil beneath your Pilea is covered with roots; this plant is a voracious grower!
A Plant Made To Be Shared
Don’t forget to gift your babies to friends and family! Once you have made some experience growing and nursing your first Pilea plant, you will propagate it easily and start spreading the Pilea fun around.
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