The Chinese money plant, also known as the pancake plant, friendship plant, coin plant, or UFO plant, has become one of the trendiest houseplants. Its unique appearance, with round, coin-sized leaves that are thick and glossy, makes it a favorite among plant lovers. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also has the ability to produce small “daughter plants” that can be easily shared with friends and family. Pilea peperomioides care is not difficult, which makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned houseplant enthusiasts.
Pilea Peperomioides Care Requirements
Chinese money plants are fairly low-maintenance. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind. When fully mature, these plants can reach up to 12 inches in height and width, so make sure they have plenty of room to grow and develop new leaves. If properly cared for, the plant may even produce small white flowers on pink-tinged stems, which is a sure sign of success. Healthy Pilea plants have rich green leaves with a crisp texture. The petioles (leaf stems) should not be elongated or pale in color, indicating that the plant is receiving ample sunlight. Additionally, there should be no brown edges on the leaves, as this is a sign of a healthy Pilea peperomioides plant.
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The Best Potting Soil for Chinese Money Plants
Chinese money plants prefer well-drained potting soil, so it is important to avoid using garden soil. Instead, opt for a high-quality organic potting soil that is based on peat moss or coir fiber and perlite. If you prefer to make your own potting soil, there are numerous DIY recipes available online. If you purchased your Chinese money plant from a greenhouse or nursery, it likely already has been planted in suitable soil, so there is no immediate need to repot it unless it outgrows its current container.
Choosing the Right Pot for Pilea Peperomioides Plants
Most houseplants, including Pilea peperomioides, are commonly sold in plastic pots. However, it is worth noting that some nurseries may offer them in terracotta pots, which tend to dry out quickly. To ensure optimal conditions for your plant, it is recommended to use a plastic or glazed ceramic pot instead. If you prefer the look of terracotta pots but want to avoid frequent watering, you can simply place the plastic pot inside a decorative terracotta pot or apply a spray sealant to the inside of the terracotta pot before planting your Pilea. Good drainage is essential, so ensure that your chosen pot has a drainage hole in the bottom. Additionally, be sure to empty any excess water from the saucer beneath the plant within an hour or two to prevent root rot.
Ideal Light Level for Pilea Peperomioides
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Understanding the light preferences of your houseplants is crucial. Chinese money plants thrive in moderate light levels, making east- or west-facing windows the best options for placement. If your window receives direct sunlight in the early to mid-morning, it is classified as east-facing, offering medium light that is ideal for Pilea peperomioides care. West-facing windows, which receive direct sunlight in the late afternoon and evening, provide slightly brighter light, but it is important to note that excessive and direct sunlight can cause leaf burn. North-facing windows offer very low light levels and are not suitable for this particular houseplant. South-facing windows, on the other hand, provide high levels of light, making them more suitable for plants that thrive in bright, direct sunlight, such as succulents and cacti. If you have a north-facing window or minimal light, consider using a tabletop grow light to supplement your plant’s light requirements. Additionally, filtered light that passes through a sheer curtain is beneficial, as it prevents the plant from being exposed to bright, direct sunlight.
How Often to Water Chinese Money Plants
The frequency of watering your Pilea peperomioides depends on various factors, including pot size, material, home humidity, and potting soil quality. Terracotta pots and warm environments tend to cause quicker drying of the soil, requiring more frequent watering. Instead of adhering to a strict watering schedule, it is recommended to assess the weight of the pot. After thoroughly watering the plant, check how heavy the pot feels. Then, lift the pot every two to three days to determine how much lighter it has become. When the pot feels significantly lighter (but just before the plant wilts), it is time to water your Chinese money plant.
How to Properly Water a Pilea Plant
Proper watering techniques are crucial to prevent the plant from sitting in water or being watered inadequately. To water your Pilea, take the pot to the sink and allow water to flow through the soil until at least 20% of the water drains out of the bottom hole. This process helps flush out excess fertilizer salts and prevents salt burn, which can cause brown tips on the leaves. It is generally recommended to water Pilea peperomioides every 7 to 10 days, but you may need to adjust the frequency based on your home’s conditions. In addition to the weight of the pot, you can also check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil for a “feel test.” Yellow leaves often indicate over- or under-watering. Use de-chlorinated tap water for watering your houseplants. You can achieve this by letting an open container of water sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate. Alternatively, you can use rainwater if you have a rain barrel. Chinese money plants appreciate high humidity, so using a humidity tray or similar methods can help create an optimal environment, especially in dry climates or homes.
When and How to Fertilize Pilea Peperomioides
Fertilizing Pilea peperomioides should be done in moderation. Over-fertilization is a common mistake made by plant owners. It is sufficient to fertilize Chinese money plants once a month during active growth, which typically spans from early spring through early fall. Use a liquid organic houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, and water your plant with it. It is important to avoid fertilizing a dry plant. Instead, water it first and then fertilize the next day. If you notice a white crust on the soil surface, it indicates a buildup of fertilizer salts. In such cases, refrain from fertilizing for a few months and ensure that you flush water through the pot each time you water. Salt buildup can also manifest as a white crust on the outside of terra cotta pots.
How to Divide a Pilea Plant
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Regular division is an essential part of Pilea peperomioides care to prevent overcrowding. As the plant thrives, it produces small daughter plants known as offsets or pups. These offsets grow a few centimeters away from the base of the mother plant and should be separated when they reach an inch or two in height. To divide the offsets, carefully dig down into the soil at the base of each offset to expose the roots. Then, use sharp needle-nose snips or a clean knife to separate them from the parent plant. Each offset should have a few roots, and if any accidentally break off, you can place the base in a cup of water to stimulate new root growth. Once roots form, pot up the offsets into fresh soil. Pilea peperomioides is known as the “pass-along plant” because it is easily propagated and shared with others.
Potting Up a Chinese Money Plant
Potting up your Pilea peperomioides is the final step in its care. When the plant becomes crowded in its pot, it is time to transplant it into a larger container. Signs that it is time for repotting include quick drying of the soil, roots circling within the pot, or an abundance of offsets filling the container. When repotting, select a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one. Gently loosen the roots and prune any rotten or damaged ones, particularly if they are circling around inside the pot. Spread the roots out into the new pot and fill in any gaps with fresh houseplant potting soil. Be mindful not to bury the plant deeper than it was in its previous pot and avoid fertilizing newly transplanted houseplants for at least three months, as this can damage developing tender roots.
To learn more about growing Pilea peperomioides, check out these recommended houseplant books: “Houseplants” and “Grow in the Dark” by Lisa Steinkopf, “Plant Parenting” by Leslie Halleck, “The New Plant Parent” by Darryl Cheng, and “How Not to Kill Your Houseplant” by Veronica Peerless. For additional information on growing houseplants, explore the articles available on Savvy Gardening.
Have you experienced the joy of growing a Chinese money plant? Share your story in the comments below!
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Category: Money tree
