Chinese Money Plant Care

The Chinese Money Plant is a fun and quirky plant that is incredibly easy to maintain. Botanically known as Pilea peperomioides, this houseplant is perhaps the most popular of all Pilea varieties and is also known as the Pancake Plant or UFO Plant. Find out all you need to know about Chinese Money Plant care to keep your plant healthy and flourishing.

Get to Know Pilea Peperomioides

Native to southern China, near the base of the Himalayas, the Chinese Money Plant is a beauty. The smooth, glossy leaves are flat near the top and come to a gentle point at the bottom. The stem connects to the back of the leaf about one inch below the flat top. From the front, there is an indentation where the leaf attaches to the stem. The Pilea peperomioides has an upright, branched growth habit. Mature plants stand about one foot tall and wide.

Types of Money Plants

The native habitat and the mostly rounded coin-like leaves inspire the nickname Chinese Money Plant. This plant is easy to identify but has a nickname similar to a few other plants. Pothos, in general, and sometimes more specifically, the Golden Pothos, are known as the Money Plant. Crassula ovata, or Jade plant, is sometimes known as Money Plant. The stately Money Tree has a similar name and is easy to grow; otherwise, it has nothing in common with Pilea plants.

Pilea Peperomioides Light Requirements

Chinese Money Plants thrive in medium to bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a south- or east-facing window where it can receive plenty of bright yet indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight burns the leaves, so avoid placing the plant directly in a sunny window unless you hang sheer curtains to diffuse the sun’s rays. Plants in low light will become leggy, and the foliage will not reach full size.

Periodically rotate the container so each side receives even sunlight. The broad leaves can collect dust, so rinse the plant or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth once per month to keep this beauty looking its best.

How Often to Water Chinese Money Plant

Proper watering is crucial for your Chinese Money Plant. Water your Pilea thoroughly when the top several inches of the potting soil feels dry. Typically, this means watering once weekly, but the frequency can vary depending on your home’s humidity, temperature, and available sunlight.

When the plant needs water, the stems bend slightly, causing the foliage to droop. You want to avoid situations when the plant experiences water stress, but water immediately if you notice drooping leaves, and the plant should be fine.

It’s normal for houseplants to need less water during the winter. Always check the soil and wait if the top few inches feel damp.

Best Soil for Pilea Peperomioides

Use a well-draining potting mix for ideal Chinese Money Plant care. A mix formulated for succulents or cacti is a good choice. To improve drainage, create your own mix by combining two parts of all-purpose potting soil with one part of perlite or sand.

While you’re at it, ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from collecting, which can lead to root rot. Empty the cachepot or saucer under the pot after watering to avoid standing water.

Chinese Money Plant Temperature Guidelines

Chinese Money Plants are not fussy about temperature but prefer a stable environment. Most homes are at a comfortable temperature. Keep the plant in a room between 60° and 75° F. Avoid placing it near drafts, air conditioners, or vents, as drastic temperature changes can stress the plant.

Humidity for Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides prefer moderate humidity but can adapt to average household humidity levels. Use a humidifier or pebble tray if you live in an arid climate. The leaves curl when the air is too dry.

Pilea Peperomioides Fertilizer Needs

Regular feeding will promote healthy growth. Feed your Chinese Money Plant monthly using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season. Dilute the plant food to half-strength to avoid over-fertilizing. Stop applying fertilizer during the colder months if you notice growth stopping.

Does Plant Chinese Money Plant Bloom?

Pilea peperomioides plants produce tiny white flowers. However, houseplants seldom bloom, which is fine because the unique foliage is the main attraction.

Pilea Peperomioides Pruning Tips

Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and promotes bushier growth. Trim any yellow or damaged leaves regularly. If the plant becomes leggy, pinch back the stems to encourage branching.

When to Repot Pilea Peperomioides

This Pilea is a fast-growing plant that will typically need an annual upgrade, or at the very least, plan to repot every other year. With proper care, the Chinese Money Plant will quickly fill its pot. You can leave multiple plants in a single container to create a full, dense plant, but eventually, you’ll need to repot.

You can use the same pot if you divide the plant and remove several small plants. If you keep several plants together, select a new pot that measures about two inches larger than the root ball.

Chinese Money Plant Propagation

Expand your Chinese Money Plant collection through propagation. These plants do much of the work, making the entire process easy. At the base of the parent plant, they produce small plants known as pups or offshoots. Once these pups have a few leaves and stand several inches tall, you can gently separate them from the mother plant and pot them up individually. This plant is so prolific that it is also known as the sharing plant or friendship plant because you’ll end up with so many new plants, and you’ll need to rehome some of them.

Is Chinese Money Plant Pet Safe?

Yes, Pilea Peperomioides, or Chinese Money Plant, is pet-safe. Consider a difficult-to-reach spot if your pet is prone to nibbling on foliage, but rest easy knowing your cat or dog will be okay if they munch on your Pilea.

Chinese Money Plant Styling Tips

The Pilea peperomioides has an upright growth habit, but mature plants can become top-heavy. You have options if your plant becomes big and unwieldy.

Let the stems bend and allow the plant to trail. If you let it trail, consider growing the Pilea in a hanging basket. Prune the plant to maintain a compact, upright form.

Lastly, you can give the plant a stake or support. Gently insert the stake into the soil and secure the plant to the support using clips or ties intended for plants. It’s vital to use a product designed to secure plants to a stake to avoid damaging the stems, and many products are available for this purpose.