Chinese Money Plant Care Guide - Learn All About Pancake Plant
Pilea, also known as Chinese money plant or pancake plant, is an interesting houseplant. It has been vastly popular in recent years. Pilea care is not complicated, although it requires following several rules about the location, soil, watering and fertilizing. Are you wondering how to care for Chinese money plant so that it looks beautiful? Check the most important info on this plant.
Chinese money plant – what kind of plant is it and what does it look like?
Pilea (Pilea peperomioides) is a unique plant, and quite popular among plant enthusiasts. It has many other names: Chinese money plant, pancake plant, UFO plant, missionary plant. Most of these names refer to its original appearance.
Pilea has long stalks ended with round, slightly bent leaves in various sizes. Thanks to this, the plant looks interesting and makes a beautiful interior decoration.
Pancake plant originates in China (hence the name Chinese money plant). Initially, it was popular especially in Scandinavia. Currently, it is one of the most popular houseplants in the world. It’s particularly apprecciated in Europe.
What are the most popular types of pilea plant?
Pilea plant has several varieties. They differ slightly from each other, although the most important differences are noticed mainly by experienced gardeners. Here are the most popular pilea varieties:
- pilea spruceana,
- pilea involucrata,
- pilea cadierei.
Where to place pilea – pancake plant?
Pilea peperomioides likes well illuminated places. But don’t expose it to strong sunlight. Chinese money plant grows best in indirect light. Because of this, make sure not to put it on a windowsill or next to a balcony door, if they don’t have any covers like curtains or shades.
What is the best soil for Chinese money plant?
Pilea peperomioides needs fertile and permeable soil. A universal potting mix combined with some sand is a good choice.
You should also make sure your pancake plant has drainage in its pot. Fill the bottom of the container with some gravel or expanded clay pebbles. This way, water doesn’t stand in the soil, and your Chinese money plant is protected from root rot.
Chinese money plant – watering
Pancake plant doesn’t have any special care needs, which means it’s a perfect choice for beginner gardeners. Pilea can perfectly endure a few days without watering, and, conversely, it can manage high moisture in its soil as well. Nonetheless, experts suggest moderation. Water your pancake plant twice per week. This frequency is enough in most cases.
Do pancake plants require fertilizer?
Pilea is a houseplant that needs regular fertilizing to stay in a good shape. Liquid fertilizer is the best choice. You can purchase such a product in any gardening store. Are you wondering how often you should feed your Chinese money plant? Do it every 2-3 weeks, especially during the vegetation period, which lasts from early spring to late summer. In autumn and winter, fertilizing the plant once a month is enough.
How often do you repot Chinese money plants?
Regular repotting is one of the most essential actions as for taking care of a pilea. The plant grows quite rapidly. For this reason, it should be repotted every 2 years on average. Pick a larger container which can fit the plant’s root system.
Chinese money plant – propagation
Easy propagation is one of the biggest advantages of pancake plants. It can be done by cutting one of the plant’s stems and rooting it. Early spring is the best time to do it, as that’s when the plant is the most regenerated. But Chinese money plant can be propagated during any season. Depending on the time, the cutting might grow slower, though.
Diseases and pests attacking pilea
High humidity is the biggest threat to a Chinese money plant. It might cause roots to rot or catch various fungal diseases such as botrytis. How to recognize that something’s wrong with the plant? Yellow leaves and drooping are the first signal.
If your pilea’s leaves are turning brown, perhaps it has been attacked by pests, more precisely – aphids. In this case, you can use natural remedies or, if the problem is more serious – apply chemical pesticides.
📍 How to care for Chinese money plant?
Pilea care starts with choosing the right spot for the plant to grow – it should be bright with indirect sunlight. Permeable soil, moderate watering and regular fertilizing are the next steps. Also, repot the plant every 2 years.
📍 What is the best soil for pancake plant?
Soil for pancake plant should be fertile and permeable. Universal potting mixes for green plants are a good option. Make sure to fill the bottom of the container with gravel or expanded clay before adding soil.
📍 Why is my Chinese money plant turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on a pancake plant are usually a result of too much water in the soil. If so, dry the soil or repot the plant before its roots begin to rot. A quick reaction might save your pilea from dying.
📍 Why is my pilea loosing leaves?
Dropping leaves, just like yellowing, is a result of overwatering your Chinese money plant. Letting the soil dry is sometimes the simplest solution. If it's not possible, repot the plant.
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