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.
Transplanting artillery plant (Pilea microphylla) is an important gardening task that ensures vigorous growth. With its recognizable round, fleshy leaves resembling green pellets the artillery plant adds unique visual interest to both indoor and outdoor spaces. By learning proper techniques for transplanting this eye-catching plant you can maintain its health and encourage lush foliage.
When to Transplant Artillery Plant
Timing is crucial when transplanting artillery plant. The ideal time is during the summer months when warm temperatures and increased daylight stimulate active growth. Transplanting in summer allows the plant to quickly establish roots before cooler fall weather arrives. It also prevents transplant shock that can happen if repotting when growth has slowed. For best results transplant artillery plant in early to mid summer.
Signs Your Artillery Plant Needs Transplanting
How do you know it’s time to move your artillery plant to a new container? Watch for these signs that indicate transplanting is needed
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Slow growth: If your plant’s growth seems to have stalled, the pot is likely too small and roots are crowded.
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Roots visible: Root tips peeking through the drainage holes mean it’s pot-bound.
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Wilting: Drooping leaves can signal underwatering, but may also occur when roots can’t expand in a too-small pot.
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Stunted foliage: Poor growth and smaller leaves point to an underdeveloped root system in inadequate soil.
By addressing these issues through transplanting, you get your artillery plant back on track to vigorous expansion.
How to Transplant Artillery Plant Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for successfully transplanting your artillery plant:
Choose the Right Pot
Select a container one or two sizes larger than the current pot with plenty of drainage holes. Terra cotta, plastic, or glazed ceramic pots work well. Match the pot’s style to your decor.
Fill New Pot with Fresh Soil
Use new, high-quality potting mix to give your plant’s roots room to spread and access nutrients. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost provides excellent drainage.
Water Plant Before Removing from Old Pot
Water thoroughly a day before transplanting. This makes removal easier and prevents root damage. Allow excess moisture to drain before transplanting so soil is moist but not soggy.
Carefully Remove from Current Pot
Hold stems to avoid damage and tilt pot sideways to slid plant out. Check for circling roots and gently loosen them if found. You can also trim any diseased roots with sterilized scissors.
Place in New Container
Situate plant in the pot, positioning it slightly lower than original level. Roots should have space around sides for growth. Add fresh soil around root ball to stabilize.
Provide Support While Root System Establishes
Use plant stakes or supports until new roots take hold in transferred soil. This prevents toppling and keeps foliage upright.
Water Lightly After Repotting
Give a gentle first watering after transplanting to settle soil. Then allow the plant to dry slightly between waterings while new roots form.
Monitor Light and Temperature
Keep your artillery plant where it will receive bright, indirect light while adjusting to its new home. Maintain warm temperatures between 65-80°F.
Transplanting Tips for Healthy Artillery Plants
Follow these tips to keep your artillery plant thriving after transplanting:
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Allow 6 weeks after repotting for new root growth before fertilizing. Then use a balanced diluted fertilizer monthly.
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Check soil moisture often until reestablished. Water when the top inch is dry, taking care not to oversaturate.
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Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity while adjusting to its new pot.
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Remove any flowers or flower buds, which divert energy from root growth.
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Transplant summer-flowering artillery plants after bloom period ends.
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Reduce sunlight slightly if transplanting in midsummer heat to prevent leaf scorch.
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Transplant into porous terra cotta pots to increase airflow to roots.
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Transplant rootbound plants into pots 2 inches wider than the previous containers.
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Disinfect pots before use to prevent disease transfer from old potting soil.
Caring for Artillery Plant After Transplanting
Be diligent about care while your artillery plant establishes after transplanting. Proper watering, fertilizing, and pest monitoring help it adapt and prevent shock. Trim any broken or damaged foliage which can’t be supported until roots recover. Move plant back into brighter light once settled into its new container. Frequent inspection allows you to catch any problems early and intervene. Within a few months of focused care, your newly transplanted artillery plant regains its vigor.
Transplanting Encourages Healthy Artillery Plant Growth
Like all plants, artillery plant depends on its root system to take up water and nutrients. When roots are confined and unable to spread, foliage and upward expansion suffers. Timely transplanting into fresh, loose soil allows root development and invigorates your plant. Remember to select an appropriately sized container, water judiciously after repotting, and provide bright filtered light. With this attentive care, your transplanted artillery plant flourishes. Soon you will enjoy lush new leaves signaling success.
Light
Pilea microphylla does best with part sun conditions. It should receive plenty of bright, indirect light but too much sun will have a detrimental effect on the plant.
To propagate by stem cuttings:
- Gather the following supplies: Clean, sharp garden snips, a small pot, and peat moss (or a glass jar if you plan to start the cutting in water).
- Use the garden snips to cut away a stem about four inches long. Be sure that the cutting has several pairs of leaves.
- Trim away the bottom leaves. Place the cutting in water or moist peat moss, with the top leaves above the water or moss.
- Keep the cutting in a bright area and keep it moist.
- Once roots have formed, the cutting is ready to be transplanted into the garden or a new pot.
How to propagate Pilea microphylla ? [Artillery plant, Artillery fern]
FAQ
What kind of soil do artillery plants like?
How often should I water an artillery fern?
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.
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.
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.
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.