The Pilea houseplant, also commonly referred to as the Chinese Money Plant, owes much of its popularity to its aesthetic appeal.
It is also revered for pushing out perfectly round leaves at exceptional speed. But for this, its needs must be met.
Pilea enthusiast, Dr Laura Jenkins, has shared multiple tips to help the plant thrive on the blog House Plant House.
She shared: “The first thing to consider is location, which can really have quite an impact on the shape and growth of pilea plants.
Finding the right position for your houseplants will help them thrive
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“Over the last few years, I’ve experimented with dotting a few plants around my apartment and have been testing out growth habits in different conditions.
“The best position for me has been around one meter from my west-facing window.
“Since moving it in February 2020, my large pilea has sat in a south-eat position a few meters away from the window, out of any harsh light.“
In the northern hemisphere, that translates as fairly bright, indirect light, Laura added.
While finding the right balance can be challenging, it’s important to avoid leaving the plant in a spot with dim lighting.
Insufficient light can cause plants to grow sparsely and in some cases, it causes stems to stretch and distort.
Excessive lighting, on the other hand, can damage leaves and pave the way to marked and crisp edges.
Interestingly, some plants adapt to brighter environments, however. Laura reported success with a plant thriving in a conservatory for most of the year.
Though Laura’s experience demonstrates the plant’s potential for acclimatisation, plant owners should err on the side of caution.
If you live in built-up areas with other buildings close by, or if there are obstacles like trees outside, this all has an impact on the intensity of light.
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Only hydrate the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch
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As far as their watering needs go, the pilea plants prefer moist soil but can tolerate drying out a little between watering.
Mastering the right technique can prevent root rot and ensure the plant flourishes throughout the year.
To water pileas correctly, check soil moisture regularly and only hydrate the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Furthermore, it’s important to ensure proper drainage and never leave the plant in standing water. Root rot can be deadly for the plant.
