All you need to know about

How to care
for your Pilea

Overview

Pileas, like TikTok stars, are really enjoying their stardom in the spotlight. Also known as a Coin Plant, UFO Plant, Friendship Plant and Chinese Money Plant, Pileas are native to Southern China at the foot of the Himalayas and are part of the stinging-nettle family, Urticaceae. Fortunately, Pileas don’t sting. Unfortunately, they don’t grow money. The Pilea didn’t get its due attention until the mid 1900s and finally hit its stride in the late 2010s. You’ll see Pileas on everyone’s social media (re: #pileababy and #pilealovers), your colleagues’ desk, and at the impulse section of a fruit stand. They’re super easy-going and are almost comical in the way they look, which is probably why they’re known as the “Pass it on Friendship Plant”. Welcome to the big leagues, Pilea!

Pilea Types

Pilea Peperomioides, Chinese Money Plant
Pilea Cadierei minima, Aluminum Plant
Pilea Involucrata, Moon Valley
Pilea Spruceana, Silver Tree
Pilea Depressa, Baby Tears
Pilea Glauca Aquamarine, Silver Baby Tears
Pilea Nummulariifolia, Creeping Charlie
Pilea Grandifolia

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Other Fun Facts

Why is it called a Chinese Money Plant? One of the folklores we’ve heard is about a poor Chinese farmer who prayed for wealth and fortune (who hasn’t?) and instead stumbled on this odd-looking plant that he thought was so beautiful he had to grow more for others. In turn, he was a savvy businessman because he got rich doing so.
A Swedish missionary took cuttings of a Pilea and brought them back from China to Norway in 1946 when he was expelled by Chairman Mao (for the practice of his religion and being a foreigner.)
The term Money Tree was also coined (heh) because the Pilea has round, plump, flat leaves that look like coins.

Plant Care Tips

Care Level

Pileas are very low-maintenance plants that do well a variety of conditions – dry, low light, etc. They’re very forgiving and easy to care for, making it an excellent plant for beginners.

Plant Care Tips

Light

Pileas thrive in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sun to prevent leaf burn. Rotate 2-3 times weekly for even growth. In low light, expect darker leaves and sparse new growth, but they'll adapt.

Plant Care Tips

Water

Check the top 2” of your Pilea's soil for dryness before watering weekly. In colder months, adjust watering frequency. Watch for droopy leaves as a sign of thirst. Use distilled water to prevent spotting from tap water chemicals.

Plant Care Tips

Humidity

Pileas don’t require extra humidity – they’ll do well in just about any kind of room.

Plant Care Tips

Temperature

Pileas can grow well in 13°C-30°C .It’s quite a big range, making it an easy plant for anyone to have and take care of. Like other indoor plants, just be mindful to keep it away from heating vents, cold drafts, or AC units.

Plant Care Tips

Pets

Pileas are non-toxic (as long as you don’t consume them in large quantities, so no Pilea niçoise salads.)

Plant Care Tips

Care Level

Pileas are very low-maintenance plants that do well a variety of conditions – dry, low light, etc. They’re very forgiving and easy to care for, making it an excellent plant for beginners.

Light

Pileas thrive in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sun to prevent leaf burn. Rotate 2-3 times weekly for even growth. In low light, expect darker leaves and sparse new growth, but they'll adapt.

Water

Check the top 2” of your Pilea's soil for dryness before watering weekly. In colder months, adjust watering frequency. Watch for droopy leaves as a sign of thirst. Use distilled water to prevent spotting from tap water chemicals.

Humidity

Pileas don’t require extra humidity – they’ll do well in just about any kind of room.

Temperature

Pileas can grow well in 13°C-30°C .It’s quite a big range, making it an easy plant for anyone to have and take care of. Like other indoor plants, just be mindful to keep it away from heating vents, cold drafts, or AC units.