The Pilea Peperomioides is also known as the Chinese Money Plant. It is a succulent-like fast-growing houseplant that is perfect to grow for beginners. Though it looks like a succulent, you shouldn’t treat it like one as it has quite different needs.
Taking care of Pilea Peperomioides is easy. By following some simple tips, you can take good care of your plant and see it grow happy and healthy in your home. In this article, we will discuss what you should do to look after this green friend.
What kind of soil do Pilea Peperomioides like
The best soil type for Pilea is the one that has the ability to retain moisture for a few days but can also drain out excess water quickly. Usually, this soil consists of Perlite and coconut coir. Both materials are helpful in retaining the moisture by the soil, but at the same time make sure that excess water is drained out. They also keep the soil in a good structure preventing it from compacting.
Drying out of the soil is crucial. Try to understand this way; when soil compacting happens or the soil does not dry out, your plant roots are unable to get oxygen. If it happens more than often, roots will rot and the plant will die. This is the reason it is recommended to get the soil dry before you rewater as oxygen can reach the roots easily when the soil is dry.
You can easily find this type of soil; you can buy it pre-made or mix it by yourself. If you are buying, you can also use the same soil as you would use for a palm.
What’s the Best Light Environment for your Pilea
Pilea Peperomioides grows the best in an area that receives a lot of indirect sunlight. To grow healthy and produce new leaves, this plant needs sunlight, and thus, cannot grow in low-light areas. However, this is also important not to expose this plant to too bright and direct sunlight.
When exposed to direct sunlight, you will start noticing yellow spots on the leaves. These spots are actually sunburns. If the spots are small and your plant hasn’t been in the sunlight for long, it will heal over time.
On the other hand, if your Pilea is placed at a spot that does not receive the necessary indirect but bright sunlight, it will start giving you signs that it needs more light. Similar to succulents, Pilea will start growing towards the light. If you see this unusual growth of your plant, make sure to immediately move it to a brighter spot. Unfortunately, the plant will not come to the usual shape, but you can surely try propagation to grow a new plant.
How To Water Your Pilea Peperomioides Properly
Watering your Pilea plant is very easy. Although this plant likes moist soil, it should be dried out for 1 to 2 days. Because of this requirement, you can set an easy watering schedule for your plants; once in a week. With this watering schedule, Pilea will be in moist soil for at least 5 days.
However, drainage holes are important in the pots of these plants so that any excess water can easily drain out of the pot without any issue. This is crucial because excess water can cause root rot. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, you can plant Pilea in a plastic nursery pot and place it in the pot.
The plant of Pilea also tells about its water requirement by showing the following signs:
- Curling Leaves
The curling up of the leaves of your plant shows that it is thirsty and you need to water it. The curling is due to the fact that the leaves do not have enough moisture left. When they get water, they’ll come to their usual shape again.
- Dropping Leaves
Contrary to the above situation, if you overwater your Pilea, the leaves will start the droop. The best thing you can do is not to water it again until the soil is completely dried out. It is also important to check the pot size as it also makes a difference.
Do Pilea Peperomioides Need Fertilization?
Pilea is a fast-growing houseplant and it needs a lot of energy to grow healthy. You can encourage its growth by providing the required energy through fertilizing your Pilea.
Fertilization of Pilea is easy; you need to fertilize your plant once a month during summer and spring. However, during fall and winter, you don’t have to fertilize it as the plant is dormant and it needs rest. The best fertilizer to use is in liquid form as it will be easier for the plant to absorb.
In case you keep fertilizing a Pilea plant during fall and winter, the plant won’t be absorbing nutrients and the leftover nutrients will start settling down in the soil making it salty over time. Salty soil is not a good place for a plant and eventually, it will harm your green baby. If this happens, you can correct the situation by increasing its water and washing out the leftover fertilizer.
Takeaway
The Pilea Peperomioides is a great choice of houseplants for beginners as it shows you what it needs and is a fast-growing green buddy. It is perfect for people with busy routines as it is quite easy to look after this plant. With green beautiful leaves, this plant will add a lot of energy and brightness to your space in no time.
More about Pilea Peperomioides
Plants and equipment
- Chinese Money Plant
- Perlite and coconut coir potting mix
- Palm potting mix
- Pots with drainage holes
- Plastic nursery pots
- Liquid fertilizer
