Looking for Chinese money plant care tips? Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your Chinese money plant, from watering to fertilizing to propagating.
The Pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese money plant or pancake plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Urticaceae native to Yunnan Province in southern China. The round leaves of the Pilea peperomioides are what give this species its common name.
The leaves are rich, deep green, and can grow up to eight inches in diameter. The Chinese money plant blooms in the spring with small, white flowers. These plants are easy to care for and make excellent houseplants.
Overview of Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides is a fast-growing plant that can reach heights of up to 12 inches (30 cm). It prefers to grow in partial shade but will also do well in full sun. The plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold weather.
Pilea peperomioides is a relatively easy plant to care for. It does not require much water and can tolerate some neglect. However, keeping the soil moist is essential and does not allow it to dry out completely.
The Chinese money plant is an excellent choice if you want a low-maintenance plant to add to your collection. With its striking leaves and easy care requirements, this plant is sure to brighten up any space.
Chinese Money Plant Symbolism
The Chinese money plant is considered to be lucky in many cultures. The plant is often given as a gift to new businesses and homes in China. It is also believed to bring good luck to those who own it. The plant is also associated with wealth and prosperity in many countries. In Feng Shui, the plant is thought to attract positive energy and good luck.
The Chinese money plant is a popular choice for those looking for a bit of extra luck in their lives. Whether you believe in the symbolism or not, this plant will surely add some life and color to your home.
Money Plant Benefits
Not only is the money plant considered lucky, but it is also believed to have many benefits. These plants are thought to purify the air and help remove toxins from home. They can also help increase humidity levels, which can benefit those suffering from dry skin or allergies.
Its ideal to place in the kitchen or bathroom to give that extra bit of green. I have one in bedroom and kitchen area to help provide that additional oxygen and purification.
The money plant is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-care plant that provides some benefits. If you want to purify the air in your home or add some extra luck to your life, this plant is a great choice.
Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Urticales
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Pilea
Species: P. peperomioides
About Pilea Peperomioides
The money plant is a fast-growing, easy-care plant that can reach heights of up to 12 inches (30 cm). It prefers to grow in partial shade but will also do well in full sun. The plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold weather.
Common Names: Chinese money plant, pancake plant, missionary plant
Botanical Name: Pilea peperomioides
Origin: Yunnan Province in southern China
Life Cycle: Perennial
Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall
Flowers: Small, white flowers in spring
Foliage: Round, deep green leaves
Humidity: Average room humidity
Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
Light: Bright, indirect light
Chinese Money Plant Care Guide
Fortunately for Pilea plant lovers, this unique species is fairly easy to care for. Overwatering is the biggest issue so take notice of your watering schedule. The thrive is warm environments but do not require as much humidity as many of the tropical houseplants. This is such a fun plant to own and will definitely trigger some fun conversations with guests.
Watering
The Pilea peperomioides should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Do not allow the plant to sit in water. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. This should be about once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the location and light situation. Use your finger or thumb to feel if the soil is moist or dry and how far down. If the top feels slight damp, then give it another day before watering.
Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Always use room temperature water when watering your money plant so you won’t shock the roots. If you can use distilled or filtered water, that’s ideal.
Sunlight
Pilea peperomioides prefers partial shade but will also do well in full sun for a few hours daily. The leaves will be a deeper green in lower light and may develop yellow spots in too much sun.
If you can place them in an east- or north-facing window, that would be perfect. Bright indirect light will allow them to grow well without scorching the leaves. These are fast growing plants, so that sunlight is important for their growth year round.
These plants will also do well with a grow light. The grow light should be placed about 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) from the top of the plant. Be sure not to leave the light on for more than 12 hours a day.
Chinese money plant Soil
Pilea peperomioides does best in well-draining, loamy soil. A general potting mix or African violet potting mix will work well. You can also make your potting mix by mixing equal parts sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This will help ensure that the soil drains well and does not become too compacted.
Sphagnum peat moss is an organic material that helps to hold moisture and nutrients in the soil.
Perlite is a white, porous volcanic rock that helps to aerate the soil and improve drainage.
Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral that also aids in water retention and drainage.
Fertilizer
Feed your Chinese money plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Cut back on fertilization in the winter.
Use half the recommended fertilizer on the containers, as these guys don’t need much to be happy. Use a half-strength balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, and always dilute the fertilizer before use.
Pruning
Prune the money plant as needed to remove damaged or dead leaves. These plants can also be pinched back to encourage bushier growth. You would do this by taking the stem between your thumb and finger and gently but firmly pinching it off.
The plant leaves can be very delicate. If you move it around too often or are rough with it, you can loose leaves, especially while the plant is still young.
Propagating Chinese money plant
The money plant can quickly propagate from stem cuttings or division once it gets large.
Stem Cutting:
To propagate from stem cuttings (my favorite method), Take 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cuttings from the tips of the stems and place them in water or moist potting mix.
The cuttings will root in 1-2 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into the potting mix.
Division:
You can also propagate by division. This can be done in spring or fall. To divide the plant, carefully remove it from the pot and gently pull it apart into 2 or 3 sections.
Each section should have a few leaves and some roots.
Plant the sections in separate pots and water well. This would be useful for a mature Chinese money plant outgrown its pot.
Repotting
You will need to assist the Chinese money plant care by repotting every 2-3 years. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix. Please do not use a metal container as the roots react with it.
Money plants are fast growers and can quickly outgrow their pots. When repotting, you may need to trim the roots to fit into the new pot.
The Pilea peperomioides plant can grow upright and might need support as it gets taller. You can use a bamboo stake or trellis to support the plant.
Temperature
The money plant is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors if the temperature drops below 60°F (15°C). These plants prefer warm temperatures and will not do well in a drafty room.
Flowers
The money plant rarely flowers when grown indoors. If it does, the small white flowers appear in spring. These are not showy flowers and are usually hidden among the foliage.
Common Pests and Diseases
Pilea plants are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to mealy bugs, aphids, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: These pests are small, wingless, and covered with a white, fuzzy coating. They suck the sap from the plants and can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects are usually green but can be black, brown, or white. They congregate on the new growth and undersides of the leaves and suck the sap from the plants. This can cause the leaves to be yellow and distorted.
Whiteflies: These small white insects fly around when disturbed and congregate on the undersides of the leaves. They suck the sap from the plant and can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drops.
I like to use neem oil to control infestations. You would dilute the neem oil with water and spray it on the plant, being careful to get the undersides of the leaves.
Root Rot:
The money plant is also susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering to prevent this problem.
Root rot is a severe problem that can kill the plant. If you think your plant has root rot, remove it from the pot and inspect the roots. The plant will need to be discarded if they are soft or mushy.
Toxicity
The money plant is not considered to be toxic to humans or animals. Yeah, more pet friendly house plants!
However, it can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities so if you have a voracious vegetarian eater in the household or your cat likes to much on plants, keep these plants out of their way.
Why we Love this Pilea Plant
We love the Pilea peperomioides because of its really unique leaves, it’s a great conversation starter, and it’s easy to take care of! Who would not love a plant that looks like a UFO or pancakes right?
It sprouts lots of babies allowing you to share with friends or just grow more plants! Propagating is super simple with these guys and create a beautiful indoor jungle in a short amount of time with its fast growth.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to propagate a money plant?
A: The money plant can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cuttings from the tips of the stems and place them in water or moist potting mix. The cuttings will root in 1-2 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into the potting mix.
Q: What are the benefits of a money plant?
A: The money plant is thought to purify the air and help remove toxins from the home. They can also help increase humidity levels, which can benefit those suffering from dry skin or allergies.
The money plant is also said to bring good luck to the home.
Q: How often should I water my money plant?
A: The money plant should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Do not allow the plant to sit in water. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: Chinese money plant care for brown leaves?
A: If the leaves of your money plant are turning brown, it is likely due to overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. If the leaves are still brown after you have corrected the watering issue, they may be damaged and need to be removed.
Q: What is the best potting mix for a money plant?
A: A well-draining potting mix is best for the money plant. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts sand, peat moss, and perlite.
Q: My money plant has stopped growing. What should I do?
A: If your money plant has stopped growing, it may be because it is pot-bound. Repot the plant in a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix. You can also try division to encourage growth.
Q: I think my money plant has root rot. What should I do?
A: Root rot is a severe problem that can kill the money plant. Should you think your plant has root rot, remove it from the pot and inspect the roots. If they are soft or mushy, the plant has no chance of survival. If you still have some viable roots, allow the soil to dry out entirely before replanting.
Q: My money plant leaves are turning yellow. What should I do?
A: If the leaves of your money plant are turning yellow, it is likely due to overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. You can also try fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer. If the leaves are still yellow after you have corrected the watering issue, they may be damaged and need to be removed.
Q: What is the best way to control pests on my money plant?
A: Mealybugs, aphids, and white flies can all infest the money plant. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also use rubbing alcohol.
Use the soap, oil or alcohol and wipe the plant leaves down. Use a cotton ball to get rid of the bugs and pests. Rinse with water and keep away from your other plants for a few days to ensure you have cleared up the infestation.
Conclusion
The Chinese money plant is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for. It is known for purifying the air and bringing good luck to the home. People love the large circular leaves and the attractive shape of the plant.
The money plant is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much attention. Water the plant when the soil is dry and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. With proper care, your money plant will thrive for years.
If you were searching for the best Chinese money plant care tips, then hopefully you found this article Useful! Let us know in the comments.
