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Pilea Care

Pilea are known for their bright green, coin-shaped leaves. They grow well in dry conditions, can adapt to low light areas, and are fast-growing, making them low-maintenance and great for beginner plant owners.

How to care for your Pilea

Use these instructions to care for a Pilea. This guide will tell you how to water a Pilea; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

Pilea

LIGHT

Your Pilea prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun may burn the leaves. In order to prevent your Pilea from growing lopsided, rotate it at least 2-3 times a week since it grows towards the sun. This plant can adapt to lower light areas, but the leaves will turn a darker green and the plant will spread out more.

WATER

Water your Pilea when the top 75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Your Pilea  does not require extra humidity, but a generous misting every now and again will be appreciated.

TEMPERATURE

Your Pilea will be happiest in normal household temperatures between 65-75 degrees. However, make sure that your Pilea does not sit near the heating vents in the winter, as it may drop its leaves.

FOOD

Feed once a month during the spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.

TOXICITY

Pilea are generally non-toxic for humans and pets. However, when ingested in very large quantities, they can cause a mild digestive reaction.

ADDITIONAL CARE

If you notice white spots on your Pilea, they are most likely caused by salts and chemicals in your water. If you do not have a filtration system, leaving the tap water in an open container overnight before watering can help remove some of the chemicals.

Pilea Baby Tears

LIGHT

Your Pilea Baby Tears will be happiest in medium to bright light. Keep out of the direct sun–it will burn the foliage. 

WATER

Water your Pilea when the top 75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Your Pilea Baby Tears does not require extra humidity, but a generous misting every now and again will be appreciated.

TEMPERATURE

Your Pilea Baby Tears prefers temperatures between 55-80 degrees during the day and should not get colder than 55 degrees at night.

FOOD

Feed once a month during the spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.

TOXICITY

The Pilea Baby Tears is non-toxic to pets and children. 

ADDITIONAL CARE

If you notice white spots on your Pilea, they are most likely caused by salts and chemicals in your tap water. If you do not have a filtration system, leaving the tap water in an open container overnight before watering can help remove some of the chemicals by evaporation.

Pilea Moon Valley

LIGHT

Your Pilea prefers bright to medium indirect light. It can tolerate low light, but it may become leggy and dull. Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.

WATER

Water when 25-50% of the soil volume is dry. Water slowly, allowing it to soak into the soil until it drips out of the drainage hole. Discard any excess water that accumulates in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Your Pilea prefers higher than average household humidity. Add a pebble tray, group plants to create a humid microclimate, or place a humidifier nearby.

TEMPERATURE

Your Pilea prefers temperatures between 60° – 80°F.

FOOD

Feed once per month in the spring and summer with an all-purpose fertilizer for indoor plants. Do not apply fertilizer to dry soil.

TOXICITY

This plant is considered non-toxic and pet-friendly.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Pilea plants benefit from an occasional trim, which will encourage them to stay full and bushy. Cuttings can easily be rooted in moist soil to grow your collection or share with friends. If you notice the coloration becoming dull, try moving the plant to a spot with brighter, indirect light.

Pilea Pan Am

LIGHT

Your Pilea prefers bright to medium indirect light. It can tolerate low light, but it may become leggy and lose its vibrant color. Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.

WATER

Water when 25-50% of the soil volume is dry. Water slowly, allowing it to soak into the soil until it drips out of the drainage hole. Discard any excess water that accumulates in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Your Pilea prefers higher than average household humidity. Add a pebble tray, group plants to create a humid microclimate, or place a humidifier nearby.

TEMPERATURE

This plant prefers temperatures between 60-80°F. Keep it away from drafty windows and air vents.

FOOD

Feed once per month in the spring and summer with an all-purpose fertilizer for indoor plants. Do not apply fertilizer to dry soil.

TOXICITY

This plant is considered non-toxic and pet-friendly.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Pilea plants benefit from an occasional trim, which will encourage them to stay full and bushy. Cuttings can easily be rooted in moist soil to grow your collection or share with friends. If you notice the coloration becoming dull, try moving the plant to a spot with brighter, indirect light.

Grow Beyond Expectations

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What's a Pilea?

Botanical Classification: Pilea Peperomioides

About

Pilea are known for their bright green, coin-shaped leaves. They grow well in dry conditions, can adapt to low light areas, and are fast-growing, making them low-maintenance and great for beginner plant owners.

A healthy and happy Pilea will sprout tiny “pups” that you can propagate and add to your plant collection or share with friends!

Fun Fact

Originally from the southwestern Yunnan province of China, The leaves layer on top of each other, giving it the appearance of large green coins—hence its nickname The Chinese Money Plant. This plant is thought to bring good fortune, money, and abundance to its owner, contributing to its popularity as a housewarming or hostess gift.

Pictured Left: Pilea

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