Chinese Money Plant
Round, coin-shaped leaves on little stalks, a plant that looks like a modernist sculpture and produces pups you can pot up and give away. Pet-safe, compact and easy once it has a bright spot.
Pilea is the plant that was impossible to buy ten years ago, passed only from friend to friend as pups. Now it is everywhere, and deservedly: it is neat, quick, safe for pets, and it multiplies.
Give it bright indirect light and a quarter turn every week, or it leans toward the window like a sunflower.
Light
Bright indirect light. An east window is perfect; a north window works if it is unobstructed. Rotate the pot weekly so the stem grows straight. Direct afternoon sun scorches the leaves.
Water
Let the top inch or two dry, then water well. About weekly in summer. The leaves droop slightly when it is thirsty and straighten within hours of a drink. Overwatering shows as yellowing lower leaves and a soft stem.
Soil and potting
A well-draining mix with perlite. Terracotta suits it. Repot every 18 months or when pups crowd the pot.
Feeding
Half-strength feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation
Pups appear around the base and along the stem. Once a pup has a few leaves, cut it below the soil line with a bit of root and pot it up, or root it in water. This is the whole point of the plant.
In a hot, dry home
Comfortable in dry air and unbothered by AC. Its one demand here is protection from direct sun through glass, which burns the flat leaves in an afternoon. East light or a bright north window is the spot.
Chinese Money Plant varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Peperomioides (green)
The standard coin-leaved plant.
- Mojito
Leaves splashed with lime green. Rare.
- Moon Valley
Pilea mollis: puckered, quilted green leaves with dark veins. Same care.
- Aluminium Plant
Pilea cadierei: green leaves with silver patches.
- Crinkle
Pilea involucrata: crinkled bronze-green leaves.
- Globosa
Pilea glauca: tiny blue-grey leaves on trailing red stems.
- Chocolate
Dark bronze-brown leaves.
- Ellen
Silver-grey textured leaves.
Problems and fixes
Leaves curling into cups
Likely cause: Too much light or inconsistent watering
Fix: Move slightly further from the window and water on a steadier rhythm.
Yellow lower leaves dropping
Likely cause: Overwatering, or normal ageing if only a few
Fix: Let it dry out more between waterings.
Leaning stem
Likely cause: Growing toward the light
Fix: Rotate weekly. Stake it if it has already leaned.
White dots on the leaf undersides
Likely cause: Mineral deposits, harmless
Fix: Nothing needed. Use filtered water if they bother you.
Chinese Money Plant questions
Is Pilea safe for cats?
Yes. Pilea peperomioides is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How do I propagate a Pilea?
Wait for pups to appear at the base, let them reach a couple of inches, then cut them free with a little root and pot them up. They also root easily in water.
Why is my Pilea drooping?
Thirst, most often. Water it and check again in a few hours. If the soil is already wet, the roots may be rotting; let it dry out fully.
