Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides), often called the friendship plant, coin plant, or UFO plant, is popular thanks to its attractive coin-shaped foliage and ease of care. It is grown primarily for its unique foliage and does not often flower indoors.
This perennial is a low-maintenance, air-purifying option thats also pet-safe. Chinese money plants are easy to propagate and share with friends, hence the name “friendship plant.” With proper lighting, it can double in size within a year.
The Pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese money plant, coin plant, or pancake plant, is an easy and fun houseplant gaining popularity across the world. This species is native to China’s Yunnan and Sichuan mountain provinces but over the past century has made its way into homes globally. The round coin-shaped leaves and easy propagation have contributed to its fame as an Instagrammable indoor plant that’s perfect for beginners. Read on to learn more about this must-have houseplant and how to care for it!
Overview of Pilea Peperomioides
Pilea peperomioides is an evergreen perennial in the nettle family Urticaceae. It has many nicknames like pancake plant UFO plant lefse plant, and Chinese money plant. The leaves are almost perfectly round in shape, growing up to 4 inches wide on stems up to 15 inches tall. The leaves are dark green on top and lighter green underneath. It produces tiny white flowers on spikes from the base in spring if conditions are right. This plant originated in southern China and was exported by a Norwegian missionary in the 1940s, spreading to Scandinavia and beyond. It has only recently become widely available commercially. There are a few variegated cultivars on the market as well.
Caring for Your Pilea Peperomioides
Caring for a Pilea peperomioides is simple because they are such easygoing plants. Follow these tips and your Chinese money plant will thrive indoors.
Light
Pilea peperomioides prefers medium to bright indirect sunlight. An east or west-facing window is ideal in most climates. Direct hot sun will scorch the leaves, but a few hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun is usually fine. Rotate the plant periodically so it grows evenly on all sides. These plants can adapt to lower light conditions, but will become leggy and less bushy without enough light.
Water
Water a Pilea peperomioides whenever the top inch or two of soil has dried out. Letting them completely dry out may cause leaves to droop. However, take care not to overwater, as soggy soil can cause root rot. Aim to water 1-2 times per week in summer, and every 7-10 days in winter. Always empty any water that accumulates in the saucer so the plant doesn’t sit in excess moisture.
Temperature & Humidity
Pilea peperomioides thrives in average household temperatures between 60-80°F and humidity levels above 40%. Keep away from hot drafts from heaters or AC vents. They can tolerate brief exposure to 50°F temps. Low humidity may cause leaf browning on the edges. Consider using a humidifier if humidity drops below 40% for extended periods.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, or pumice to prevent wet soil. Aim for a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0-6.5. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom and empty excess water from the saucer. Terracotta pots can help soil dry out faster.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly in spring through summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted by half. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when it’s dormant.
Repotting
Repot in early spring every 2-3 years as needed when roots fill the pot. Move it to a container only 1-2 inches larger to avoid overpotting. Division is not necessary but you can separate overcrowded clumps.
Propagation
Propagate Pilea peperomioides easily by taking stem cuttings or removing and replanting offsets that appear at the base or on stems. Cuttings and offsets root readily in water or moist potting mix. The “pups” can also be left attached to the mother plant for a bushier appearance.
Common Issues with Pilea Peperomioides
Pilea peperomioides are fairly problem-free but may encounter:
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Dropping leaves: Overwatering can lead to root rot and leaf drop. Allow soil to partly dry out between waterings.
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Wilt: Underwatering causes leaves to droop. Water more frequently.
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Leggy growth: Insufficient light leads to weak leggy growth. Move to a brighter location.
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Leaf scorch: Direct hot sunlight burns leaves. Filter the light or move out of direct sun.
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Browning edges: Low humidity causes dried leaf edges. Increase humidity around the plant.
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Leaf spots: Overwatering can lead to fungal leaf spot diseases. Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency.
Tips for Growing Pilea Peperomioides
Here are some additional tips for successfully growing this “friendship plant”:
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Pilea peperomioides make great gifts since they root so easily from cuttings. Share the plant love with friends!
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Rotate the plant periodically for even, full growth.
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Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free.
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Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows.
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To encourage flowering, expose to cool temperatures around 50°F for a few weeks.
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Propagate new plants in spring or summer for the highest success rate.
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Mist the plant daily or use a pebble tray for extra humidity.
Why You Should Get a Chinese Money Plant
The Pilea peperomioides is a must-have houseplant for many reasons:
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It’s fun and easy to grow for beginners or experienced plant owners.
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The unique nearly-round leaves add visual interest to any space.
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Propagation is a breeze by division or stem cuttings.
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It is non-toxic and pet-friendly.
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Pilea peperomioides prefer average home conditions and are adaptable.
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They are relatively fast growing but stay reasonably compact.
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Sharing “pups” with friends is easy and fun!
So if you’re looking for a contemporary, conversation-starting houseplant that turns any room into an indoor jungle, the Pilea peperomioides is a perfect choice! Follow the care tips above and this hardy plant will provide years of enjoyment watching it multiply and spread its unique foliage. The Chinese money plant definitely lives up to its Instagram popularity and makes a fabulous housewarming gift too. Add one to your plant collection today!
How Much Water Do Pilea Plants Need?
You have to water your pilea moderately, but do not overwater it. They like to dry out in-between waterings and they don’t like to stay soggy. I stick my finger in the dirt and lift the pot to see if it still feels heavy from the last watering.
If it feels dry to the touch, then I water it again. Let it dry out between waterings but be sure that it doesn’t get bone dry (although it is quite hardy and can handle it). I water mine once a week.
If I check the plant and it still feels moist, I’ll wait a couple more days and check again. The other day, a friend texted me a picture of her pilea which was drooping quite a bit. We came to the conclusion that it needed to be watered. It had dried out a bit too long!
The plant will tell you what it needs and when it needs it, so just keep a watchful eye. I asked a local greenhouse about the pilea and watering and they said one of the only ways to kill it is by overwatering.
When you water your pilea, never let it sit in water. Once you’ve watered it, make sure that you empty the excess water that catches in your bottom dish. If the dirt stays wet/soggy for too long, then the roots actually rot, which can likely lead to the death of the plant.
I am prone to overwatering, and it has taken me a good bit to rein in my need to “nurture” (aka overwater) the plant.
Chinese Money Plant Care
Although this popular houseplant may be difficult to get your hands on, once you have one it is surprisingly easy to care for.
- Place Chinese money plant in a spot where it will get a lot of bright, indirect light.
- Prepare moist but well-draining soil.
- Water thoroughly once the soil has dried out.
- Maintain room temperature and average humidity.
- Rotate the plant occasionally so that it does not become lopsided.
- Fertilize lightly in spring and summer.
Its normal for plants to drop one or two older leaves as they put their energy into new growth. However, if you start to notice lots of your Chinese money plants leaves dropping, its most commonly a sign of overwatering and root rot. Be sure to address this immediately to prevent any more leaves from dropping.
PILEA PEPEROMIOIDES Care | Chinese Money Plant Tips & Tricks
FAQ
How do you care for a Pilea peperomioides Chinese Money Plant?
Caring for Pilea peperomiodes
Water less in winter. Feed once a month with a weak or diluted house plant food. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them shiny and free from dust. You could mist the leaves, although this is not essential.
Should I put a coin in my Chinese Money Plant?
Chat GPT Answer: Putting American coins in the soil of your Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is not recommended. Money Trees, like any other houseplants, primarily require appropriate watering, sunlight, and well-draining soil to thrive.
Do Pilea peperomioides like sun or shade?
Your Pilea prefers bright to medium indirect light. It can tolerate low light, but it may become leggy and dull. Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.