Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)

Family	Urticaceae
Genus	Pilea
Scientific Name	Pilea Peperomioides
Other Names	Chinese Money Plant, UFO Plant, Pancake Plant, Missionary Plant.
Growth Season	It growth best in spring and summer
Preferred Temperature	55oF to 85oF (13oC-30oC)
Hardiness Zone	USDA Zone 11 and higher
Average Mature Height & Width	Six to twelve inch width with a similar range in height.
Dormancy	This plant goes dormant in winter.
Toxicity	It is non-toxic to pets and humans

Pilea Peperomioides Physical Characteristics

This succulent is evergreen and perennial. Its leaves are dark green with a glossy surface. Each mature leaf is circular and it has a diameter of about four inches (ten centimeters) and it is characterized by a petiole.

The Chinese Money Plant’s stem has a hue that ranges from green to dark brown. The stem is usually singular and upright. It has a long taproot with a mat of fibrous hair roots that ultimately occupy the whole pot. When this happens, the plant is said to be root-bound and it needs to be repotted. It is likely to get root-bound every two years. 

The UFO Plant has produces small white flowers but only when it grows in optimum conditions. You have to take excellent care of it for it to bloom.

 Pilea Peperomioides Care

It is important to keep your plant’s pottage moist during the growing months of summer and spring. The rate of watering depends on the plant and the season. Ensure water from the previous drink dries up before you give it another drink.

Pottage should be typical of succulents. It should be well-draining with a considerable amount of gravel or pumice to allow for water to pass through easily. Impervious soil and too much water cause waterlogging which in turn causes root rot.

It does well in indirect sunlight; the light should be bright. Indirect light is preferable because direct rays scorch leaves. Feed the plant monthly during the growing season. The best fertilizer for this plant is 10-10-10.

DO YOU KNOW? Caring (propagating, pruning/trimming, beheading, watering, …) is a set of skills that is applicable to almost every succulent. Read the in-depth succulent care guide right here >>

Richard from Succulent City

Pilea Peperomioides Growth

You can get some daughter plants from offsets that form at the base of the plant. Offsets are the best way to propagate the plant since it already has roots. Also, you can propagate the plant from a stem or leaf cutting. A leaf-cutting takes a long time to root and established as a plant. On the other hand, stem cuttings root faster but don’t get established as fast as leaf cuttings.

You can cut the head off the plant and use it to manage its growth and propagate your Chinese Money Plant. Also, you can trim some of the leaves for the plant to be aired. Repotting is usually necessary every two years when the plant is likely to get root bound.