how to care for chinese money plant

Pilea Peperomioides appeals to many budding gardeners with its mini-lotus-shaped leaves. Like wood sorrel, pilea is a very trendy plant! Its foliage is also reminiscent of small coins, which has earned it its reputation as a lucky plant. Moreover, the pilea has many nicknames such as Chinese money plant, pancake plant, lefse plant or missionary plant. This green plant is undemanding and finds its place very well indoors. Discover all the steps to grow your lucky plant!

1) When and where to plant Pilea Peperomioides?

This magnificent succulent plant native to China is planted in the spring. It is an indoor plant that needs a very bright space, but without direct sun at the risk of burning it. This graphic plant needs a light and draining substrate. A mixture of peat potting soil and fresh heather soil is more than enough. Don’t forget to place clay balls in the bottom of the pot (pierced to allow water to drain well) to drain well and prevent the roots from drowning.

2) Entertain are Pilea

The leaves tend to turn towards the sun, so do not hesitate to turn the pot from time to time to keep the plant balanced. The pilea is easy to maintain and requires very little care, however a excess humidity can be fatal to him. Watering frequency must be regular: twice a week in summer and 10 days apart in winter. Fertilizer isn’t necessary, but if you really want to add some, opt for a very low-dose green plant or cactus fertilizer. Your plant will need to be repotted in the spring every two years.

In winter, the climate must be mild, because if it loves heat, the pilea does not support temperatures below 10°C. At the pruning level, you only need to pinch the stems after a bud, to facilitate growth.

3) Propagation by cuttings

The pilea reproduces by cuttings of young stems of about 6-7 cm which are shoots found at the pied of the mother plant. You just need to select the young stems with 3 to 5 leaves with a sharp, disinfected blade. Then, replant the young stem in potting soil and water regularly. The soil should always remain lightly wet, but be careful not to drown the roots. Place your cutting in a room luminous, but without direct sunlight. You can also put the cuttings in water so that they produce roots and then place them in a pot filled with potting soil.