How to Grow and Care for Pilea

Pilea is a genus of tropical plants with more than 600 species. Several of the smaller species are popular, houseplants. They come in a symphony of leaf shapes, colors, and textures, and each species has its own character with colorful veining and texture-rich leaves that beckon you to reach out and touch them. Also called the friendship plant, pilea grows in medium light, making it perfect for many locations in your home, including desktops, nightstands, and tabletops.

Where to Plant Pilea

Pilea makes an excellent houseplant because it grows best in bright indirect light so it does not necessarily have to be placed on a windowsill; it can also be farther away from the light. If a south- or west-facing window is your only option, make sure to diffuse the strong direct sunlight with a gauze-like curtain.

Pilea Care Tips

While pilea species vary greatly in their appearance, they all share the same, easy care.

Light

Pilea grows well in bright indirect light, but it tolerates low light. In insufficient light, the plant may become leggy. Don't hesitate to move your pilea around the house to see where you like it best. And rotate the pot every so often to ensure even growth on all sides because the plant tends to stretch toward the light.

Soil and Water

The potting mix for pilea should be moderately rich and well-draining. Potting mix that has been specifically blended for African violets works well for pilea.

Pilea needs regular watering. Water it when the top inch of the soil has dried out. Like most houseplants, it's better to keep it a bit on the dry side rather than get it too wet.

Temperature and Humidity 

The ideal indoor temperature for pilea is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant away from air conditioning vents and radiators because it is sensitive to both cold and hot air exposure. During the winter, place the plant away from vents that can blow extremely cold or hot air on it. It grows well in humid conditions and thrives in a terrarium. Use a humidifier to increase humidity or place your plant on top of a pebble tray filled with water. 

Fertilizer 

Pilea does not need a lot of fertilizer. An all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the strength, every few months is usually sufficient.

Pruning 

Regardless of the pilea species, the stems tend to be fairly brittle, and over time, the plant can get leggy. Pinching off the new growth tips to encourage a more compact, bushier growth can help to some extent but as the plant ages, a scraggly appearance is often inevitable. Since pilea is so easy to propagate from stem cuttings, it is usually better to start with a new plant.

Potting and Repotting Pilea

When choosing a pot for your pilea, make sure it has large drainage holes. Repotting becomes necessary when the roots fill the pot. If the plant has started to look leggy at this point, consider starting a new plant from a cutting instead of repotting the old plant in a larger pot.

Pests and Problems

Pilea can be affected by the same pests as many other houseplants, including mealybugs, spider mites, fungus gnats, scale insects, and thrips. Common diseases are powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot.

How to Propagate Pilea

Its common name, friendship plant, alludes to the ease of sharing pilea. You can multiply your own plants and share extras with friends. It's easy to propagate them from stem cuttings. Simply cut a young stem that has three or four leaves. Remove the leaf nearest the cut end of the stem and sink the cutting into potting mix so at least 1 inch of the stem is buried. Keep the potting mix moist and the cutting will produce roots within a couple weeks. You can also root your cutting in a cup of water first, then move it to potting mix when roots appear.

Types of Pilea

Aluminum Plant

Pilea cadeirei is a well-known selection with elliptical green leaves washed with patches of silver. It is an upright grower, but you can keep it full and bushy by occasionally pinching back the new growth to promote branching.

Artillery Plant

Pilea microphylla has upright arching stems with small leaves, less than 1/8 inch in diameter. It gets its common name from the tiny flowers that "shoot" pollen.

Baby's Tears

Pilea depressa is a creeping plant that consists of numerous dainty leaves. Because of its tiny foliage and high humidity requirements, is works well as a terrarium plant.

Creeping Charlie

This houseplant has the same common name as the lawn weed creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) but the two are botanically not related. Pilea nummularifolia has rounded, scalloped leaves and succulent trailing stems, which make it especially attractive in a hanging pot.

Moon Valley Friendship Plant

Pilea involucrata has deeply cratered or corrugated foliage. Purplish maroon veins form the "valleys" with medium green "ridges" surrounding them.

Norfolk Friendship Plant

Pilea spruceana 'Norfolk' is a low-growing plant with bronze leaves and silver markings similar to those of aluminum plant.

Chinese Money Plant

Houseplant aficionados have fallen in love with Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides). Its almost-round, bright green leaves are held above the soil by central stems. This plant's minimalist appearance and easy-growing ways make it a favorite interior decor accent for modern homes.