Chinese Money Plant / Pancake Plant / UFO Plant
Pilea peperomioides
description
Chinese Money Plant is a compact houseplant with round coin-shaped leaves on long stems.
benefits
- Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Chinese Money Plant
sunlight
In its native mountain forests, Chinese Money Plant grows in bright light softened by trees. At home, give it a bright spot out of harsh midday sun.
Bright indirect light
Place near an east- or north-facing window, or a little back from a bright south- or west-facing one. A small amount of gentle morning sun is usually fine; strong direct sun can scorch or fade the round leaves.
Medium light — tolerated
It will cope with a brighter room away from the window, but growth will slow and stems may stretch toward the light. Move it closer if new leaves become smaller or the plant leans strongly.
watering
Water thoroughly only when the top 2–5 cm (1–2 in) of soil has dried. Let excess drain away; Pilea peperomioides is more forgiving of slight dryness than constantly wet roots.
Spring — summer
In bright, warm conditions, this is often about every 7–10 days. Check the soil first: the surface and upper layer should feel dry, while the pot should feel noticeably lighter.
Autumn — winter
With lower light and slower growth, water roughly every 2–3 weeks. Wait until the upper half of the potting mix is dry, then water deeply.
Watering needs shift with light, temperature, humidity, pot size and material, and how airy the soil mix is. Small terracotta pots dry faster than large plastic pots; check more often rather than increasing the amount.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Chinese Money Plant comes from humid, shaded mountain forests in southern China, but adapts well to average homes. Around 40–60% relative humidity is usually comfortable; give it a little more humidity if your heating or air conditioning makes the air very dry.
Minimum for most homes
Keep the plant away from heating vents, radiators, and cold drafts. Dry air matters most in winter, when the potting mix may also dry more slowly.
- Group it with other plants to create a slightly more humid pocket.
- Use a small humidifier nearby if humidity regularly falls below about 40%.
- Set the pot on a pebble tray with water, keeping the pot above the waterline.
temperature
Preferred temperature
Winter minimum
Native to sheltered, rocky areas of southern China, Chinese Money Plant prefers steady indoor warmth rather than heat or chill. Keep it comfortably away from radiators and air-conditioning; prolonged temperatures below 13°C (55°F) can cause leaf drop.
nutrition
Spring to early autumn
Feed every 4–6 weeks while your Chinese Money Plant is making new leaves. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to about half the label strength, on already-moist soil.
Balanced nutrition
A balanced fertilizer supports the leafy growth this plant is grown for. Do not feed a recently repotted, stressed, or very dry plant; let it settle and resume growth first.
Winter rest
Reduce feeding or stop altogether in low winter light, when growth slows. Resume when longer days bring visible new growth.
soil
Light, airy, fast-draining soil
Chinese Money Plants have fine roots that dislike staying wet. Use a loose houseplant mix that holds some moisture but drains freely, such as two parts potting mix mixed with one part perlite or pumice.
Slightly acidic to neutral pH
A pH of about 6.0–7.0 suits it well. Most quality indoor potting mixes fall in this range, so there is rarely a need to adjust pH.