Pilea Care (Chinese Money Plant + More)
Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant), Pilea 'Moon Valley', Pilea glauca and more
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top half of the soil is dry. Moon Valley likes it moister. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Well-draining: Tropical mix with extra perlite. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 13β27Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Easy Pet safe |
| π Grows to | 20β40 cm. |
The Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) has round, coin-like leaves on long stems and makes lots of little babies that are meant to be shared. Its cousins, like the quilted 'Moon Valley' and the silvery 'Aquamarine', are just as easy and pet safe.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light keeps pileas compact with large, flat leaves. They lean hard toward the window, so rotate the pot a quarter turn every week. Too much direct sun can scorch; too little makes them leggy with small leaves.
Watering
For Pilea peperomioides, water when the top half of the soil is dry; drooping leaves mean it's thirsty. 'Moon Valley' and other small-leaved pileas like steadier moisture. All of them rot in soggy soil.
Soil + repotting
A well-draining mix: our Tropical Potting Mix with a handful of perlite. Repot yearly in spring.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Rotate weekly. Remove old lower leaves as the stem grows taller.
Sharing pups
Pilea peperomioides sends up babies from the soil around the base. When they're 5 cm tall, cut them free just below the soil with a clean knife and pot them up, or root them in water. Pass them on; that's what this plant is famous for. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaning toward the window | Light from one side | Rotate the pot weekly. |
| Drooping leaves, dry soil | Thirsty | Water deeply. |
| Leaves curling or doming | Too much light or inconsistent watering | Move to softer light; water evenly. |
| Brown spots, yellow leaves | Overwatering | Let the top half dry first. |
| Leggy, small leaves | Not enough light | Move closer to a window. |
Varieties we carry
Same basic care for all our pileas; small-leaved types like steadier moisture. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Chinese money plant safe for pets?
Yes. Pileas are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How do I make it grow straight?
Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week.
What do I do with the babies?
Cut them free once they're about 5 cm tall and pot them up or share them.
Why are the leaves curling?
Usually too much direct light or uneven watering.
Pilea care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Perlite: Lightens any mix so roots get more air.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Lithops Β· Indoor Palms Β· Peace Lily Β· Fittonia Β· Pitcher Plant Β· String of Pearls Β· Cactus Β· Olive Tree Β· All plant care β