Pilea peperomioides
Pilea peperomioides
Chinese money plant
●
Taxonomy
Family Urticaceae · Genus Pilea
Common Names
Chinese money plantPancake plantUFO plantMissionary plant
Context
nativeRegion
Yunnan Province, Southern China
usdaZones
10-12 (typically grown indoors elsewhere)
companionPlants
Peperomia, Fittonia, Calathea
culturalUses
Originally cultivated in China as a decorative plant; popular worldwide as a houseplant, often called the 'friendship plant' due to its ease of propagation and sharing.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect sunlight; tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid harsh midday rays.
WateringAllow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; water thoroughly and empty drainage tray.
SoilWell-draining potting mix, ideally with perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration.
FertilizerFeed monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring/summer).
HumidityPrefers average room humidity but tolerates lower levels; occasional misting can help in dry conditions.
TemperatureThrives at 15-23°C (60-75°F); sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitUpright, rounded perennial with distinctive coin-shaped leaves on long petioles.
Mature Size15-30 cm (6-12 inches) tall and wide.
Growth RateModerate to fast under ideal conditions.
BloomingRarely flowers indoors; tiny white blooms may appear on mature plants.
DormancySlowed growth in winter but not a true dormancy period.
Propagation
MethodsOffsets (pups), Stem cuttings
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring or early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth and shape.
RepottingRepot annually or when roots outgrow the pot; best done in spring.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot if overwatered.
ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.