Once found on school, office and home windowsills, the Pilea is returning to favour in a big way. All thanks to its unusual appearance and low growing requirements. Get to know this unique pot flower and find a place for the pilea in your home. It will be a beautiful decoration for the living room, bedroom or hallway. Since it doesn't take up much space, you can also take it to the office and put it on your desk.

Pilea peperomioides - a fashionable pot flower

Pilea peperomioides is also known as the money plants. It is found in China. It is distinguished from other plants of this type by its characteristic shape. Although considered unattractive by some as a seedling, once developed it captivates with its clump of dark green, glossy leaves. The dense habit and the original round shape of the leaves attract attention and make the pilea increasingly the main character in photographs. In older specimens of pilea, the stem sometimes becomes woody and the leaves appear increasingly taller. Because of this, the pilea can resemble a small palm tree. Interestingly, when it comes to the size of the pilea, this looks quite different from many plants that reach large sizes in the wild. When grown at home, however, they are quite a lot smaller. Pilea, on the other hand, grows to around 30 cm in the wild. In our homes, on the other hand, it can reach larger sizes (up to about 70 cm).

Pilea varieties

The stamen in itself is exceptionally lovely, which is why it is very often chosen as a decoration for flats or a plant for the office. It is also an excellent plant for creating a vertical garden. The best known is, of course, the peperomioid pilea (Pilea peperomioides). However, there are a few more species that will work well in pot cultivation. These include the Cadiera pilea (Pilea cadierei), the Peruvian pilea (Pilea spruceana) and the glossy pilea (Pilea involucrata). Fans of the species, however, may be tempted by the rarer varieties. Among the collector varieties, the most noteworthy are: Mojito, Sugar and White Splash. These will certainly appeal to fans of leaf discolouration.

Chinese Money Plant - how to care?

Pilea peperomi is a good plant for the forgetful and busy. Its beautiful appearance and low requirements guarantee the satisfaction of growing a pilea. See what conditions to provide for this plant:

✔️ position

Piennials like a bright position with diffused light. Full sun is not an ally in the development of this plant. This is because they can burn its leaves. A very dark place will also not be beneficial.  

✔️ temperature

Temperature is also important in the cultivation of the stonecrop. The plant grows best at room temperature. If the temperature is too low, it can cause the leaves to turn black and fall off. Stonecrop likes humid air, but will also tolerate temporary dryness.

✔️ substrate

The stonecrop is not demanding when it comes to substrate. An all-purpose soil can be used, loosened slightly with perlite or sand. Cactus substrate will also work well.

✔️ watering and fertilising

The rather thick leaves, which are a little succulent, indicate that they are accumulating water. Therefore, between waterings the substrate of the trunk should dry out a little. It is best to water frequently, but with a small amount of water. Pilea does not like flooding the stems and leaves with water. A good way to do this will therefore be to water it from below. From March to October, it is a good idea to feed the pilea with a suitable fertiliser, such as one for green plants.

Chinese Money Plant for good luck

The greatest ornament and reason for the popularity of pilea peperomioides are its leaves. Their almost perfectly round shape resembles coins. Hence its nickname - money. In addition, it is a plant that multiplies incredibly easily, and its cuttings are readily given as gifts to bring prosperity and good fortune. Because of this, it is referred to by many as the plant of luck. This is another reason why it is worth having pilea in your home jungle.