The curious pilea plant (Pilea peperomioides) is also known as chinese money plant. It is an easy-care houseplant and is particularly popular because of its leaves: long, thin stems grow from the woody stem, on which the round leaves lie horizontally.
How to care for pilea plants properly
The pilea plant grows very quickly and is robust, which makes it a popular choice for plant beginners. It belongs to the Urticaceae family, also known as nettle plants. With the right care of the plant, it can even start to bloom indoors.
The right location: Where does the pilea plant grow best?
The pilea plant prefers indirect light and thrives best in a bright location, but without direct sunlight. A spot near an east or west window where it can benefit from morning or afternoon sunlight is ideal. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the leaves to burn. The plant thrives best in a warm location, but can also tolerate cooler temperatures down to 5 degrees Celsius. It is important to avoid strong drafts.
Repotting pilea plants: When and how?
Regular repotting is advisable to encourage the plant to grow. This is best done in spring and when the root ball is taking up the space available in the pot. Loosen the root ball and then place your plant in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
The right substrate for houseplants
When caring for houseplants, the right soil always plays a crucial role: The chinese money plant prefers a loose, well-drained substrate that ensures good drainage. This means that the pot does not stay moist for too long and waterlogging is avoided. This keeps the roots of the plant healthy for a long time. In this video, we show you how you can mix soil yourself.
Watering pilea plants
The pilea plant needs regular watering, but waterlogging should be avoided. Allow the soil of your houseplant to dry out slightly between waterings to ensure that the roots do not rot. A little water is often better than permanently moist soil.
Fertilizing pilea plants
Do you notice yellow leaves on your pilea plant? Then it is lacking nutrients! For optimal growth of your Pilea peperomioides , it is recommended to use a sustainable green plant fertilizer. The FARBIO® organic fertilizer supplies the plant with all the important nutrients. The FARBIO® Nitrogen Bio-Boost is ideal for intensive green leaves and magnificent growth and can simply be sprayed onto the leaves.
Is the chinese money plant poisonous?
The chinese money plant and its leaves are non-toxic to humans and animals. Cats, dogs and small children in the household are therefore not a problem with this plant.
Propagating pilea plants: tips and tricks
The best way to propagate the pilea plant is through cuttings or small offshoots that can simply be placed in a glass of water or planted directly in the soil. With a little patience, they quickly form new roots and develop into independent plants. In this video, we show you step by step how you can easily propagate your plant!
What to do if there are pests on the plant?
In case of pest infestation, several measures can be taken to save the pilea plant. A thorough inspection of the plant and treatment with a suitable biological agent such as neem oil will help control pests and maintain the health of the plant.
The leaves of the pilea plant can be regularly sprayed with the FARBIO® Bio-Microcomplex to naturally strengthen them and make them more resilient!
