How To Care For Pilea

Pilea

☀️ - Provide Pilea with bright, indirect light. It will tolerate slightly lower light but grows best in a well-lit space. Avoid hot direct sun, as it can mark or scorch the delicate round leaves.

💧-  Water when the soil is mostly dry during the warmer months, but in winter you can let the soil dry out completely. Always check the bottom of the pot to see if soil is dry from the base. 

🌡️ - Keep your Pilea in temperatures between 15 and 24°C. It prefers stable conditions and does not react well to cold draughts or sudden temperature drops.

🪴 - Repot every 1 to 2 years or when the plant has outgrown its pot. If the roots are popping out of the drainage holes, or the plant looks top heavy, it is time to repot. Use regular housepotting mix with added perlite. 

🐾 - Pet friendly.

Pilea is a diverse genus of more than 700 species found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and the Americas. This group includes a wide range of forms, from succulent types with thick, water-storing leaves to delicate trailing varieties and richly textured, patterned foliage plants. Their compact size, interesting leaf shapes and adaptable nature make them excellent choices for indoor spaces and collections of all sizes.

Care

Pilea prefers bright, indirect light to support strong, even growth. Rotate the pot regularly to prevent leaning, as the plant naturally grows toward the light. Keep temperatures stable between 15 and 24°C and avoid cold windowsills during winter. Water when most of the soil dries, using pots with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Pilea enjoys moderate humidity but adapts well to typical home environments.

Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer. Repot when roots begin to fill the container or if the soil becomes compacted. Remove pups once they reach a workable size and pot them separately to encourage healthy development.

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Problems

  • Yellowing leaves - Usually caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry slightly before watering again.
  • Drooping or curling leaves - Often due to underwatering or exposure to cold. Check soil moisture and move the plant away from draughts.
  • Pale or stretched growth - Caused by insufficient light. Move to a brighter location.
  • Brown leaf edges - Low humidity or inconsistent watering. Try maintaining even soil moisture and avoiding prolonged dryness.