Understanding the Artillery Plant’s Stages of Growth

The artillery plant, also known as Pilea microphylla, is a fun and easy-to-grow houseplant that is best recognized by its small, paired leaves that give it a fern-like appearance. As this rapidly-growing plant matures, it goes through distinct stages of growth that are useful to understand so you can provide the right care at each phase.

In this article, we’ll walk through the various life stages of the artillery plant and what you need to know about caring for it during each phase of growth

Seedling Stage

Artillery plant seeds sprout to reveal green cotyledons (seed leaves) that are rounded at the tip. The first pair of true leaves that emerge after the cotyledons are also green and smooth-edged.

The young seedling’s stems will be whitish in color. At this stage, the plant is still gaining the energy it needs to power rapid vegetative growth. Care includes

• Provide bright, indirect light. Move to a sunnier spot as the plant matures.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked.
• Use a seed starting mix and transplant to a rich potting soil when the plant is larger.
• Temperature between 65-80°F.

Juvenile Stage

After a couple months of growth, the artillery plant will reach its juvenile stage where stems lengthen and leaf pairs rapidly multiply. The wiry, fragile stems are green and translucent. Leaves will be small, usually less than an inch long.

At this stage, the plant focuses on vegetative growth and spreading horizontally across the soil. Care includes:

• Transition to partial sun exposure.
• Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Ideal temperature remains 65-80°F.
• Provide a trellis or pruning to encourage upright growth habit if desired.

Mature Stage

Given the right care over its first year of rapid growth, the artillery plant will reach maturity after 12-18 months. Growth begins to slow at this stage. The plant will reach its maximum size of 6-12 inches tall and 6-24 inches wide.

• Sun exposure can increase to full sun if acclimated gradually.
• Water when the top several inches of soil are dry. Cut back on frequency.
• Discontinue fertilizer during winter months or slow growth periods.
• Temperatures down to 50°F are tolerated at this stage.

Flowering Stage

Small greenish flowers bloom on mature artillery plants in summer. They bloom from branching clusters that emerge from leaf axils. The flowers are sometimes described as “insignificant”, but they are the source of the artillery plant’s common name.

When in bloom, the flowers eject yellow pollen with a popping or shooting motion that resembles artillery fire, thus the nickname “artillery plant”. Care includes:

• Provide supplemental fertilizer to support flowering.
• Increase water during flowering periods.
• Ideal temperatures around 70-80°F for best flowering.

Dormancy Period

Artillery plants are considered evergreen perennials, but they can experience a dormancy period in winter when grown as houseplants. During this time, flowering and growth stops. The plant may experience leaf loss. Care includes:

• Allow soil to dry out more between waterings.
• Stop fertilizing until spring.
• Keep away from heat sources like appliances or fireplaces.
• Reduce watering frequency if plant goes fully dormant and loses leaves.
• Temperatures down to 50°F are tolerated when dormant.

By understanding what to expect at each stage of growth, you can provide this fun plant with the care it needs to thrive indoors. Pay attention to its cues each season and adjust lighting, soil moisture, fertilizer, and temperature accordingly. With the right care, you’ll enjoy the artillery plant’s ferny foliage and popping blooms for years to come.