Chinese Money Plant Care Guide
Pilea Peperomioides has accumulated a plethora of names over the years: pancake plant, lefse plant, friendship plant, UFO plant, missionary plant, and the one it’s most commonly known by: the chinese money plant. How among all these did the chinese money plant title stick? This plant was believed to bring good luck, fortune, and, of course, money to it’s owner! The leaves do look like coins. And we have to say, if you’ve been searching for one (these little guys can be hard to find), you’re already in luck, because we tend to keep them in stock! So now, you can own and known how to care for a Chinese Money Plant!
Why People Love This Plant
This tiny, treasured plant has quite a history. Originating from Southern China, the chinese money plant was brought over by a Scandinavian missionary. He shared cuttings of his pilea peperomioides with those around him and soon this plant was all over Scandinavia and later the world! Hence, this is an excellent plant for sharing with family, friends, and neighbors! This popular plant, which is actually a succulent, makes for a great, easy care indoor plant that will add a nice pop of green! It also stays small, making it ideal for tables, bathrooms, and more!
Your Guide to Care
Care: Easy!
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal for the chinese money plant. Try to avoid direct sunlight, as direct sun will scorch it’s leaves. If placed inside, try to place near a East or West facing window. You can take this plant outdoors during warmer months, but again be careful to avoid direct sun.
Water: As a marker, you can water about once a week. The soil should be close to dry by that time. If it’s leaves are droopy, your plant needs more water. Make sure to use a well draining soil mix, as pilea do not like to sit in soggy soil.
Temperature: 55 to 85F, and nothing below 50F is what pilea will tolerate. Try to keep the temperature relatively consistent as it is not a fan of large temperature fluctuations.
Humidity: Average humidity should be fine, but give your pilea a little more if you notice crisp or burning leaf edges.
Feeding: Feed your chinese money plant once a month during spring and summer.
Bonus
How to know you’re crushing growing your pilea: if you spot some small white flowers on pinkish stems!
White spots on your plant? These are probably from salts in the water. Try leaving some tap water on the counter in an open container overnight to remove some chlorine and fluoride.
Tag us on Instagram @tropicalplantsofflorida with a Chinese Money Plant selfie!
