Product Overview
Pilea are low growing, hardy little plants with various leaf patterns, and colours. Green and Silver, Dark Bronze, and Lime Green with Reddish Veins are some of the more readily available.
Native to Asia this low, spreading plant looks great in a terrarium, or on an East facing windowsill where it receives a little morning sun.
Secrets of success:
As with most tropical plants Pilea prefer bright, indirect light. Must avoid direct Summer sun as the leaves will scorch, and the plant will dry out too quickly.
Pilea are used to being well watered by tropical storms, then allowed to dry quite thoroughly before being watered again. It is best to water from below, therefore avoiding the unnecessary saturation of the leaves and vines. Too much moisture on the top of the compost can lead to problems such as mildew, and eventually areas of rot. So stand the Pilea in water until moist, then allow the top 3rd of the compost to dry before watering again. Be careful never to allow the compost to dry out completely.
Quite a hardy little plant that will be happy in a wide range of temperatures between 15-24c, so should be happy in any room in your home.
Keep away from any direct heat source during colder months. During this time Pilea also like extra humidity, to help combat dry air caused by your homes heating. So keep grouped together with other plants, or standing on a tray of moist gravel, this will greatly help increase the humidity around the plant.
Minimum Temp: 15c
Aftercare:
Dry brown foliage is normally a sign of too much direct light, or too little water.
Yellow, or rotten leaves is a sign of too much water, or too little light.
Pilea will normally flower late Spring, although the flowers are fairly uninspiring, and some growers remove them so that the plant can focus its energy on growing the foliage.
Repot in Spring approx. every 2-3 years, using good quality free draining houseplant compost, and only a slightly larger pot.
Prune to keep at a desired length, or to encourage bushier growth.
Warnings:
Not intended for consumption.
Not known to be toxic
