The artillery plant, also known as Pilea microphylla, is a fun and easy-to-grow houseplant It gets its common name from the tiny flowers that burst open and shoot pollen, resembling the artillery fire of an army Caring for this plant mainly involves providing the right amount of water. Underwatering can lead to wilting and leaf drop, while overwatering causes root rot. So it’s important to learn how to determine when your artillery plant needs a drink. In this article, we’ll go over the signs to look for, proper watering technique, and care tips to keep your artillery plant happy and healthy.
Signs Your Artillery Plant is Thirsty
Here are the top signs that indicate it’s time to water your artillery plant:
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Dry soil Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry and crumbly it’s time to water. But be careful not to let the soil totally dry out.
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Wilting Droopy, limp leaves are a sure indicator of underwatering Water promptly when you notice any wilting
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Yellowing leaves: Lack of water causes leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Watch for yellowing as a sign to water.
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Curling leaves: Parched leaves will begin curling inward in an effort to conserve moisture. Leaf curl means it’s thirsty.
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Crispy leaf edges: If the edges of leaves feel dry and crispy, your plant likely needs more hydration for healthy foliage.
How Often to Water Artillery Plant
The artillery plant prefers soil that dries out a bit between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the top two inches of soil are dry before watering again. The frequency will vary based on factors like sunlight, temperature, plant size, and time of year. Here are some general guidelines:
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Indoor artillery plants: Water whenever the top few inches of soil are dry, about once a week on average.
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Outdoor artillery plants: Water 1-2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot and dry periods.
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Spring and summer: More frequent watering required, around 2-3 times per week on average.
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Fall and winter: Let soil dry out more between waterings, about once every 7-10 days.
Get to know your plant’s needs by sticking your finger in the soil and observing the foliage. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Proper Watering Technique
When watering your artillery plant, follow these tips:
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Water thoroughly until water drains from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root zone is hydrated.
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Avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.
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Use room temperature water, as cold water can shock the roots.
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Allow excess water to drain out so the plant doesn’t sit in soggy soil.
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Use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom for healthy roots.
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Add pebbles or gravel under the pot to improve drainage.
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Use a moisture meter to check soil dryness if you’re unsure when to water next.
Ideal Growing Conditions
In addition to proper watering, artillery plants need the right conditions to thrive:
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Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Place near an east or west-facing window.
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Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 60-80°F. Avoid drafty areas.
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Humidity: Average room humidity is fine. Misting leaves can help in very dry air.
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Soil: Use a sterile, well-draining potting mix. Amend with perlite for drainage.
Meeting its basic needs for sun, water, temperature and humidity will keep your artillery plant looking its best!
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common artillery plant issues:
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Leaf drop: This is usually caused by overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Assess your care and make adjustments.
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Spindly growth: If your plant is stretching out, it likely needs more sunlight. Move it closer to a window.
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Root rot: Overwatering can lead to rotten roots. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Pests: Mealybugs, aphids and spider mites may appear. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Leaf spots: A fungal issue often tied to overwatering. Improve drainage and water only when soil is partly dry.
Caring for Your Artillery Plant
Caring for an artillery plant is fairly simple with proper watering, sunlight, temperature, humidity and troubleshooting when needed. Here are some final tips for a happy, healthy artillery plant:
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly.
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Provide bright, indirect sunlight for best growth.
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Keep in average household temperatures around 65-80°F.
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Watch for signs of thirst like wilting, yellowing, and dry crispy leaves.
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Improve drainage to prevent root rot from overwatering.
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Wipe leaves periodically with a damp cloth to keep dust-free.
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Repot annually in spring to provide fresh soil and room for growth.
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Remove dead leaves and spent flower stems to keep your plant looking tidy.
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Turn the pot periodically for even growth on all sides.
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Propagate new plants from stem cuttings in spring or summer.
By understanding your artillery plant’s water, sunlight and environmental needs, you can easily determine when it needs a drink and keep it thriving for years to come! Mastering the art of proper watering is the key to growing a happy, healthy artillery plant.
How to fertilize Artillery Plant
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Artillery Plant after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Artillery Plant is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Artillery Plant prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Artillery Plant may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Artillery Plant doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Artillery Plant does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Artillery Plant should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
It’s common for Artillery Plant to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Artillery Plant is native to Worldwide.
Artillery Plant has long, trailing foliage which makes them a great addition to a hanging planter. The newest growth will emerge from the tip of the stems.
USDA Hardiness Zone Artillery Plant can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Artillery Plant can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
How to care for Artillery Plant
Artillery Plant needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
Does your plant get direct sunlight? No Yes
Select the pot size
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FOUR Ways To Tell If Your Garden Needs Water
FAQ
How often should I water an Artillery Plant?
Why is my artillery fern turning brown?
Why is my Artillery Plant dying?
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.
Where should artillery plants be planted?
When considering where to grow artillery plants inside, choose a southern window, away from drafts. Artillery plant care includes placing the plant where day-time temperatures remain at 70 to 75 F. (21-24 C.) and 10 degrees cooler at night. Part of your artillery plant care includes keeping the soil moist, but not soaked.
What does an artillery plant look like?
The artillery species has plump leaves like a succulent. They are either green or variegated pink and white, one-eighth to one-half inch long, and “obovate,” or rounded and narrower at the base. The leaves are arranged in opposing pairs, like a fern frond. In nature, the species produces tiny pinkish flowers followed by brown fruits.
Are artillery plants hardy?
Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 11-12 and is typically grown as an annual or indoor plant in cooler climates. Uses: The Artillery Plant is used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, terrariums, and as a ground cover in warm climates. It’s also popular as a houseplant due to its adaptability and ease of care.