Pilea microphylla, also commonly known as artillery plant, is an annual or short-lived perennial. It’s best recognized by its many pairs of small, fleshy green leaves that give the plant an almost fern-like appearance.
Tiny green flowers appear during the growing season but they aren’t very prominent. However, they do release a burst of yellow pollen, which earned the plant its common name.
Artillery plants grow best in warm conditions and require bright, indirect light, along with moist but well-draining soil.
The artillery plant, also known as Pilea microphylla, is a unique and easy-to-care-for houseplant. Its attractive, fern-like foliage thrives with minimal care Proper fertilization is key, however, to keep your artillery plant healthy and encourage lush growth This guide will walk you through everything you need to know as a beginner to fertilize your artillery plant successfully.
Getting to Know the Artillery Plant
Native to tropical regions of North and South America, the artillery plant is named for its tiny flowers that burst little pops of pollen Its other common names like “angelweed” and “rockweed” refer to its ability to grow in the wild in rock crevices and on gravel bars along streams
The artillery plant has superpower-like abilities to withstand drought and poor soil conditions. Its fleshy paired leaves act like little water storage tanks. Outdoors in its native habitat, artillery plants can spread aggressively. But indoors, they stay tidy and compact. Their easy-going nature makes them very beginner-friendly houseplants.
What Your Artillery Plant Needs to Thrive
Caring for your artillery plant mainly comes down to providing the right amounts of water, light, temperature, and nutrients. Here’s a quick overview of the care it needs:
-
Water: Moderate needs. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
-
Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
-
Temperature: Average room temperatures between 65-80°F.
-
Humidity: Average humidity is fine.
-
Soil: Loose, well-draining potting mix.
-
Fertilizer: Optional, only during growing season.
Understanding Fertilizers
Providing your plant with the proper nutrients supports healthy growth and keeps it looking its best. Let’s go over the basics of fertilizers.
Macronutrients vs Micronutrients
Plant fertilizers contain different mixes of macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients are nutrients plants need in large quantities. The primary macronutrients are:
- Nitrogen (N) – for healthy foliage growth
- Phosphorus (P) – for root, flower, and fruit development
- Potassium (K) – for overall plant health
Micronutrients are nutrients plants require in smaller amounts. These include:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sulfur
- Iron
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Copper
- Boron
NPK Ratios
The NPK ratio listed on fertilizer packaging refers to the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) it contains.
For example, a 10-10-5 fertilizer contains:
- 10% nitrogen
- 10% phosphorus
- 5% potassium
Artillery plants do best with a balanced fertilizer, meaning one with roughly equal parts NPK. Look for an NPK ratio around 10-10-10.
Types of Fertilizers
There are many options when it comes to choosing a fertilizer:
-
Liquid fertilizers – Concentrated mixes that are diluted with water before applying. Offer immediate nutrients.
-
Granular fertilizers – Granules or pellets. Release nutrients slowly over time.
-
Organic fertilizers – Derived from plant or animal sources, like compost, manure, bone meal, cottonseed meal, etc. Provide nutrients through slow release.
-
Synthetic fertilizers – Contain inorganic compounds. Nutrients are readily available for faster greening.
How to Fertilize Artillery Plants
Artillery plants are light feeders that don’t require frequent fertilization. Here are some tips:
-
Fertilize only during the active growing season in spring through early fall.
-
Liquid or water-soluble fertilizers are easy for beginners. Look for a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula.
-
Dilute liquid fertilizer to half or quarter strength. Too much can burn roots.
-
Apply every 2-4 weeks during growing season.
-
For granular fertilizer, sprinkle lightly per package instructions.
-
Organic options like compost or worm castings can be mixed into soil.
-
Always water the plant thoroughly after applying any fertilizer. This helps avoid root burn.
When to Repot Instead of Fertilizing
Artillery plants should be repotted into fresh soil every 12-18 months. Repotting provides nutrients through the new potting mix, so fertilizer isn’t needed as frequently.
Signs your artillery plant needs repotting:
- Slowed growth
- Soil is dried out faster than normal
- Roots growing out the drainage holes
- Foliage looks faded or pale
When repotting, choose a pot one size larger and use fresh, well-draining potting soil. This will supply key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to stimulate new growth.
Common Problems Overfertilizing Can Cause
It’s easy to overdo it with fertilizer, so start with weak concentrations and observe your plant’s response.
Signs of overfertilization:
- Tip burn or brown leaf margins
- Yellowing or discolored leaves
- Dry, brown leaf tips
- Wilting, drooping, or death of leaves
- Stunted growth
If you notice these issues, flush the soil by watering thoroughly to remove any built-up salts. Don’t fertilize again until your plant recovers.
Take a Balanced Approach
Caring for houseplants is all about finding the right balance for your individual plant. Artillery plants thrive on a light touch when it comes to fertilization. Pay attention to your plant’s needs and make small adjustments over time to keep it healthy and happy in your home. Proper fertilization is just one piece of the puzzle!
Types of Pilea Microphylla
P. microphylla ‘Variegata’: This cultivar of the artillery plant has green-and-white variegated foliage. It has very similar care requirements to the conventional green variety of pilea microphylla, but in especially bright light, the variegation will turn to green and pink, which is particularly attractive.
Fertilizer
This plant has a moderate-to-fast growth habit that doesn’t frequently need much encouragement to flourish.
Since it prefers nutrient-rich soil, you may need to fertilize with an organic compost or add a light application of well-balanced liquid or soluble fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season.
My Approach To Fertilizing The Garden
FAQ
How to care for an Artillery Plant?
Why is my artillery fern turning brown?
How often should I water an artillery fern?
Do artillery plants like humidity?
How do you care for an artillery plant?
The Artillery Plant is generally easy to care for, but like all plants, it can encounter pests, diseases, and common problems. Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be identified by the fine webs they weave on the plant. They cause yellowing or speckled leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and wash it with a strong stream of water.
Is artillery a nettle?
It belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae) and is part of a diverse genus with over 600 species. Plant Type and Habit: The Artillery Plant is an evergreen perennial plant with a creeping habit.
How often should you repot an artillery plant?
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to prevent excess soil moisture, which can lead to root rot. Propagating the Artillery Plant is straightforward and can be an enjoyable way to expand your collection or share with friends.
What is an artillery plant?
It’s also known for the explosive pollen discharge from its minuscule flowers, earning it the nickname “Artillery Plant.” Native: This plant is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, where it thrives in warm, humid conditions. It belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae) and is part of a diverse genus with over 600 species.