The Chinese Money plant or Pilea Peperomioides has to be one of the most rewarding plant experiences ever! I can see why they’re so popular and even for a plant that isn’t grown for flowers, it’s certainly entertaining with the way it grows it’s babies. Pilea grows a long central stem and the round, disk shaped glossy leaves grow in a circular pattern off of that stem. The leaves are waxy and somewhat succulent so it’s a champ at water storage.
Pilea Peperomioides is an easy care plant that’s fast growing. You can see just how much it’s grown in the 4 months I’ve had it. They might be tricky to find the right light for and I moved this one around the house until I found the perfect spot. Otherwise they aren’t difficult to care for and will tell you when they need water.
The Chinese money plant, also known as the missionary plant, lefse plant, or pancake plant, is one of the most popular houseplants around Its round, pancake-shaped leaves and easy care make it an excellent choice for beginners and busy plant parents While the Chinese money plant isn’t too fussy, choosing the right potting mix is key to helping it thrive. This article will cover the best soil for Chinese money plants to support healthy growth.
Why Soil Matters
Soil provides nutrients, oxygen, and moisture that plants need to grow. The characteristics of the soil determine how well it can provide these essential elements. For Chinese money plants, a well-draining, loose soil is ideal. This allows oxygen to easily reach the roots while also preventing soggy conditions that can lead to root rot. The soil should also have good water retention to keep plants hydrated between waterings.
Best Soil Components for Chinese Money Plants
A free-draining compost mix is best for this plant. Compost improves drainage while providing nutrients. A quality potting mix for houseplants that contains compost is a good place to start.
Here are some other components to look for
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Perlite Adding perlite is excellent for increasing drainage and aeration, It prevents soggy soil that Chinese money plants are prone to I use 2/3 houseplant compost and 1/3 perlite The perlite keeps the compost draining freely,
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Coconut coir: This sustainable alternative to peat moss improves moisture retention. It’s ideal for plants that like some moisture.
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Worm castings: Worm castings introduce beneficial microbes and nutrients. A small amount, like 10-20% of the total mix, is sufficient.
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Bark or charcoal: Incorporating a bit of orchid bark or horticultural charcoal can further boost drainage while providing air pockets.
Potting Mix Recipe for Chinese Money Plants
An easy homemade soil recipe for Chinese money plants is:
- 2 parts houseplant potting mix or compost
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part coconut coir or peat moss
- 1 part worm castings
Simply mix the ingredients together thoroughly before potting your plant. I like to use a wheelbarrow or large bucket to blend large batches of soil.
If you want to save time, an excellent ready-made potting mix is FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil. It contains compost, perlite, peat moss, and organic fertilizers. I’ve had great success growing Chinese money plants in Happy Frog soil.
Other Tips for Potting Chinese Money Plants
Here are some additional repotting tips to promote healthy roots and growth:
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Pot size: Choose a pot that is 2-4 inches larger than the current container. Chinese money plants have shallow roots and prefer being a bit root-bound. Oversized pots hold too much moisture.
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Terracotta pots: These “breathable” pots are ideal for Chinese money plants. The terracotta helps excess moisture evaporate.
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Drainage holes: Make sure pots have adequate drainage holes. You can add extra holes to plastic pots with a drill.
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Watering: Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the soil. Then allow the soil to partly dry out before watering again.
By selecting the proper potting mix and following these tips, you can ensure your Chinese money plant has the ideal growing conditions. Proper soil is the foundation to growing these delightful plants successfully indoors.
General Pilea Peperomioides Care Tips
Light: Chinese money plant likes quite a lot of light but prefers to stay out of direct sun and heat. Mine is about 6 to 8 ft across from my South West window and gets some direct sun in the late afternoon but it’s so far away from the window that it’s gentle and there’s no heat hitting the plant.
Water: What I LOVE most about this plant is that it’s pretty easy to tell when it should be watered. I let it dry out between waterings and watch for the leaves to droop slightly. When it’s ready, give it a good soak until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Make sure to discard of any water that collects in the cache pot or saucer. I also mostly use filtered water but do sometimes water from the tap.
Soil: I treat this plant much like a succulent or peperomia in that it really needs a well draining soil mix. Mine seems quite happy in a mix of potting soil and cactus soil with a bit of extra perlite thrown in for good measure. I’ve also put it in a terracotta pot which helps with moisture management. Before I re-potted this plant it had some leaves curling and I’m certain it was from too much retained water in the pot. Since re-potting in a better draining soil, there are no more curled leaves.
Humidity: Pilea Peperomioides does well in standard household humidity. And mine is fine here in southern Alberta which can be quite dry.
Fertilizer: I’m using a general houseplant fertilizer on my pilea plant every few weeks through the summer and then in the winter, I’ll fertilize half as often as long as it is showing new growth.
Pruning and propagation: Pilea peperomioides will grow babies around the base of the plant. You can leave them there to grow or, when they are large enough (about 2 inches tall) you can take a clean knife and slice the stem below the dirt. Plant into it’s own pot and water a bit more often than you’d water the mother plant.
Toxicity: This is a non-toxic plant however it’s best to not let curious mouths chew on it. One never knows when there may be a reaction. I will also say that this is one plant my cat is attracted to. She loves the bouncy leaves and I think she may enjoy the slight herby smell too.
Tips & Tricks Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides) by Focus New york
FAQ
What is the best soil mix for money plant?
Soil. An ideal potting mix should be light & fluffy with proper drainage. For this, mixing cocopeat with vermiculite is a very good option. It helps in proper drainage, which allows aeration of the plants, and adding some compost or fertilizer helps the plant grow better.
Do Chinese money plants like big pots?
A mature Chinese Money Plant thrives in a pot that’s about 8-10 inches in diameter, allowing ample room for its root system. Consistent with its moderate growth rate, this size should serve well without frequent changes, ensuring stability and sustained health.
Should I bottom water my Chinese Money Plant?
Yes, bottom watering is a good method for watering your Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides).
Can you use cactus soil for Pilea?
Soil. You can use an indoor potting mix for your pilea, or even better, cactus soil mix (with added sand or perlite for instance). It is more draining that regular soil which seems to make the plant happy.