Pilea Peperomioides

Pilea Peperomioides

Chinese Money Plant or Friendship Plant

Origin

Originated from Himalayan China

Pet-friendly

General Care

Light

Bright filtered to medium. Avoid direct sun and low light. Position close to a bright window in winter.

Temperature

13 - 30°C. Keep above 10°C. Protect from hot and cold drafts.

Humidity

Average. 

Water

Weekly. Water moderately and allow moist potting mix to dry almost fully. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition. 

Fertilizer

Once a month (spring-fall). Use organic houseplant fertilizer, according to packaging instructions.

Maintenance

Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, give your plant a tepid shower: gently spray leaf tops/undersides to free them of dust, and soak mix to leach accumulated salts. Remove spent leaves. Support tall stems with ties and stakes. Divide annually (spring) and pot-up small offshoots or pups with roots in general potting mix.

Potting and Repotting

Soil-based potting mix. Every 1-2 years (spring) move plant into a planter 1-2” larger (diameter and depth); or, divide and repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. 

Special Points/Common Problems: 

  • Curling or droopy leaves often suggest underwatering.
  • Yellowing leaves, brown spots or mushiness often suggest rot or root disease from overwatering.
  • Dry, crinkly or brittle leaf edges may suggest poor humidity.
  • May produce pink spikes of small white flowers (spring). Once flowers faded, trim spikes at their base.