Pilea peperomioides is a very popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and has unique round, bright green leaves. It is also known as the Chinese money plant, UFO plant, or pancake plant.
These are tips and tricks specific to Pilea peperomioides care. For other plant specific care guides, check here.
| Name | Pilea peperomioides Chinese Money Plant, Pancake Plant, UFO Plant |
| Sunlight | Medium, filtered sunlight |
| Water | Once a week |
| Soil | Well-draining, porous soil |
| Temperature | Room temperature (65 to 75 °F or 18 to 24 °C) |
| Dormancy | Winter dormant |
| Propagation | Cuttings and offsets |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Pilea Peperomioides Care:
Fun fact: Pilea is originally from China. With it’s coin-shaped leaves, it is easy to see how it was nicknamed “Chinese money plant”. In the 1900s, a Norwegian missionary took a cutting home and, eventually the plant’s offshoots and cuttings spread all over Europe.
Now, Pileas are easy to find and quite popular in many indoor gardens.
Growth
This houseplant can grow about 1 foot tall and wide. While Pilea do not flower often indoors, when they do bloom, their flowers are small and white.
Pilea Peperomioides Light Needs
The Chinese money plant prefers medium, filtered light. An East or West facing window is best, because it provides enough light without burning the plant. Covering the window with a sheer curtain or keeping your Pilea a few feet away from bright sun provides the filtered light your plant needs.
North-facing windows provide minimal sunlight for Pilea, so consider providing a grow light to supplement sunlight if you choose to keep your plant in this area. If your Pilea does not receive adequate light, the bright green leaves fade in color.
On the other hand, South-facing windows are very bright and can cause leaf sunburn, so it is important to move your Pilea around until you find a spot with the appropriate amount of light.
If you notice brown sunburn spots appearing on the leaves, move your money plant further away from the window. Unfortunately, once sunburned, the brown spots do not fade away and you have to wait for the leaves to grow out.
The more filtered sunlight your Pilea receives, the faster it grows. Pilea are able to tolerate shady locations as well, but will grow slower there.
Pileas turn and grow towards the sun. Rotate the plant every few days so each side receives equal sunlight and grows evenly.
Dust the leaves frequently so the plant is able to photosynthesize optimally.
Fertilizer
You can fertilize your Chinese money plant once a month during it’s growing season, which is from spring to fall.
Excessive fertilization causes salt build-up, which shows up as white crust on the soil or pot. If this occurs, do not fertilize for a few months and properly water your plant to help flush out the soil.
Pilea peperomioides Soil
Pilea thrive in well-draining potting soil. An organic houseplant potting soil works well for your Pilea.
Pilea peperomioides Pot
Make sure your chosen pot has a drainage hole at the bottom, because Pilea do not like their roots to sit in water for a long time. If there is a saucer under the pot, empty out the water from that as well. Excess water can lead to root rot.
Repotting Pilea
Pilea should be repotted once every 12 to 18 months. Repot sometime during the spring to summer, because that is when your plant is the strongest.
When you notice your Pilea has grown too large for it’s current container, it is time to re pot it. Signs of over growth include:
- Multiple offsets that fill up the pot
- Roots circling inside
- Plant is too top-heavy and falling out
Choose a pot that is a few inches larger than the current one. You do not want a pot that is too large because the excess soil can retain too much water and drown the roots. A pot 2 to 3 inches longer in diameter is a good size up.
If you prefer to keep your Pilea the same size, repot your plant in the same container with new potting soil and trim the roots to fit.
Gently remove the plant from it’s pot and loosen the soil from the roots. Prune any rotten or damaged roots you see. Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil and secure your Pilea in place. Wait a week after repotting before watering again, to give the roots time to heal.
Pilea peperomioides Watering
In general, Pilea should be watered once a week. Prior to watering, check that the top layer of soil is not moist. The top few inches should be dry in between watering. When you notice your Pilea leaves beginning to droop, that is a sign the plant needs water.
When watering, water the soil at the base of the plant. Make sure that water does not sit on the leaves for too long because that can lead to rot. If you do get some water on these areas, wipe it off with a tissue.
In general, if your Pilea is in a hotter and drier environment, it requires more frequent watering than if it were in a colder or more humid environment.
For more information about how to water your plant, check out this Pilea Watering Guide.
Pilea Propagation
Pileas are very easy to propagate, so you can easily spread your collection to your friends and family.
Cuttings
To root your cutting in water, follow the following steps:
- Take a pair of sharp garden shears and obtain a cutting that is a few inches long.
- Fill a vase with room temperature water. Keep your cutting in the vase and let it sit for a few weeks.
- Once roots appear, transfer your cutting to a small pot and care for your Pilea as normal.
Offshoots
Pilea produce offshoots or pups in the soil easily. Once the offshoot has grown a few inches, remove it carefully from the soil with it’s roots intact. Plant these new offshoots in a small pot.
Offshoots require more water compared to their parent because their roots are developing.
Temperature
Pilea’s optimal temperature is from 65 to 75 °F (18 to 24 °C).
While Pilea are tolerant of some humidity, excess humidity can cause root rot. A fan is a great way to improve air circulation.
Avoid placing your Pilea near an air-conditioning vent or heater as they can dry up the air.
If you notice the leaves of your Pilea are curling inwards and forming a cup, it could be due to temperatures that are too hot (above 80 °F). Move your Pilea to a cooler room that is well-ventilated.
Toxicity
Pileas are non-toxic are safe to grow around dogs, cats and other pets.
Common Pilea plant care problems
Related article: How to Save a Dying Pilea: Complete Guide
Pilea Infestation
If you notice any of the following, it could indicate signs of infestation:
- Misshapen leaves
- Cottony-white substance
- Black spots or mold like substance
- Yellow spots
At the first sign of an infestation, immediately quarantine your plant away from the others. Check all of your other plants for signs of the pest because they can spread quickly and other plants may be infected as well.
Wash your plant in the sink under a strong stream of water with an insecticidal soap. Then spray the plant with 70% rubbing alcohol.
Repeat the above steps once every 3 to 4 days until all signs of the infestation are gone, which may take a few weeks.
Why are the leaves of my Pilea turning yellow?
This is most likely due to over watering your Pilea.
Other signs of an over watered Pilea include:
- Bottom leaves of the plant are mushy or translucent
- The bottom leaves fall off easily
- Brown spots on leaves
- The stem is turning black and losing it’s shape
This is a common problem and can be difficult to fix.
Remove the plant from it’s soil and remove any parts that have rotted (they appear black and slimy). If the rot has progressed into the stem, cut off the stem until you have clean tissue without any signs of rot that feels firm.
Allow this cutting to dry out for several days then plant in fresh soil. Wait a week after potting to water again. Decrease your watering frequency to prevent rot again.
For a complete guide to fixing root rot, check here.
Why are my Pilea peperomioides leaves drooping?
There are several factors that could cause your Pilea peperomioides leaves to droop, including:
1. Under watering
If it has been a while since you last watered your Chinese money plant and the top inch of soil is dry, give it a deep watering and the plant should perk up within a day or two.
2. Over watering
Over watering your Pilea can also cause leaf droop. Allow your Pilea to dry out completely. If you notice the plant is recovering, slowly increase the water you give your plant, as long as the top inch of soil is dry.
Ensure your Pilea is planted in a well-draining soil and in a pot with a drainage hole if it is not already.
If the plant’s damage is extensive and spread to the stem, follow the above tips to save an over watered Pilea.
3. Insufficient Sunlight
Pilea could also lose their leaves due to insufficient sunlight. If your houseplant is in a darker location, slowly transition it to a brighter spot so that it can receive more sun.
In summary for Pilea peperomioides care…
Pilea houseplants make a great addition to any plant collection due to their ease of care and unique look. They are easily propagated from cuttings, so you can get one from a friend and share with others.
Have any more questions about Pilea peperomioides care? Let me know in the comments below!
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