The Chinese money plant, or Pilea Peperomioides, is a popular houseplant found in many homes. It’s often sold in nurseries and garden centres because it does well under low light conditions and doesn’t require much care. This plant is named after the shape of its leaves which resemble ancient Chinese coins with squared edges. Chinese money plant care is simple, and it can be easily kept in smaller homes. Pilea plants are an excellent choice for anyone, whether beginner or more experienced, looking to add some green into their home. Its pancake-shaped leaves come in shades of yellow and dark green, making it perfect as an accent plant on any windowsill!
Chinese Money Plant Care: Natural Habitat
Pilea plants are native to China and Taiwan. They grow in moist, shady areas in forests and along the banks of streams.
Chinese Money Plant Care: Soil & Planting
Soil
The Chinese money plant thrives in soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. You can make your own potting mixture by combining two parts potting soil with 1 part perlite or vermiculite.
Planting
When planting, be sure to place the Chinese money plant in a pot at least 6 inches wide. The plant should be grown in the centre of the pot with the top of the root ball just below the soil’s surface.
Chinese Money Plant Care: Light Requirements
The Chinese money plant does well under low light conditions, but it will grow more quickly and have more vibrant colours if it receives some sunlight. Place your Chinese money plant near a window to receive indirect sunlight.
Chinese Money Plant Care: Water Requirements
The Chinese money plant prefers to be kept moist but not wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. You can water your plant with room-temperature water or with rainwater collected from your roof. Be sure to use a watering can or jug and water directly onto the soil as Chinese money plant leaves are very sensitive and easily damaged.
Water Pilea plants once per week during the summer and once every two weeks in winter or when the soil is dry to your touch.
Chinese Money Plant Care: Temperature & Humidity
Temperature
Pilea plants do well in average room temperatures but can become unhappy if the environment gets too hot or too cold. For the best results, keep your Chinese money plant in a room where the temperature is between 18 and 24 degrees Celcius.
Humidity
Humidity is also crucial for the Chinese money plant. The plant prefers humidity levels of around 50-60%. You can increase the humidity level by placing your plant near a humidifier or by spraying it with water once a day.
Chinese Money Plant Care: Feeding
Feeding your Chinese money plant is vital for its health and growth. Feed your Pilea plant every two weeks with liquid fertiliser or water-soluble plant food. Chinese money plant care should also include using a diluted liquid fertiliser once a month during the spring and summer months.
How to Propagate Your Chinese Money Plant
The easiest way to propagate Pilea plants is by division. When the plant becomes overcrowded, you can divide it into several new plants by gently digging up the root ball and separating the plants. Be sure to water the plants well after division.
Cha-Ching!
Chinese money plants are good indoor plants for beginners because they require little care and thrive in low light conditions. In addition, the plant can be propagated by division or stem cuttings, making it easy to propagate and share with friends.
If you would like more information on Chinese money plant care, or have hints and tips you would like to share, please get in touch with me! Happy growing!
