Pilea Dark Mystery is a species of plants that is easy to care for. The leaves range from a warm rose to a chocolate-like colour. This type of plant grows in a bushy habit: a lot more compact to the centre with leaves pointing outwards.
REQUIREMENTS
Plants on a Window Sill
LIGHT
This plant prefers indirect sunlight, preferably placed on east-facing window sills. To grow your plant evenly, it is ideal to rotate the plant once in a while.
TEMPERATURE
Pilea Dark Mystery does best in moderate temperatures, mainly around 20°C. Though, this does mean it can't survive drafts, air conditioning, frost or extreme heat.
SOIL
This plant grows harmoniously when it is placed in rich soil with good drainage. Overwatering can cause rotting of the roots. As for the potting mix, use peat moss.
Misting
HUMIDITY
It is best to prepare a humid environment since Pilea has its origins in tropical areas. Moreover, one should mist with water on an occasional basis. This alongside a terrarium can be the ideal set-up.
WATERING
Pilea Dark Mystery is a pretentious plant when it comes to watering. It adores medium to high amounts of watering combined with good drainage. Even more so during hot seasons.
Signs like dry soil or slumped leaves express that there is a water deficit. Keep an eye out for signs like these and water your plant steadily for impressive blooming.
FERTILISATION
Using liquid fertiliser once during summer and spring is enough to keep the soil rich. Another way to feed Pilea Dark Mystery is to repot it whenever it doubles in size. This is not necessary though.
EXTRA TIPS
Botrytis
PESTS
Although Dark Pilea Mystery is not that prone to disease, botrytis is still able to take hold of it. Not only, pests like spider mites and mealybugs can be as present.
A common way of taking care of such pests is to rub with alcohol on the infested parts. That, or through spraying insecticide which can be bought or even homemade with garlic, onion or dish soap.
PRUNING
Pruning for Pilea Dark Mystery happens to be the same as for any other plant. One must cut (with sterilised equipment) the brown or black parts that have dried out or got infected. This helps with preventing diseases from spreading.
Though, pruning is also necessary to make room for Pilea Dark Mystery's leaves. By arranging these leaves in a beautiful, airy configuration, the plant can breathe with ease and grow in strength.
REPOTTING
As for any other plant, repotting causes stress. Best time for repotting is during spring with atleast a 1 year interval between repots. Repotting doesn't take a long time period since the roots don't expand that much.
Rose Leaves
PROPAGATION
Pilea Dark mystery can be propagated by simply planting cuttings. To ensure root growth, humidity must be kept high with about 23°C temperature inside a sealed bag.
FAQ:
Why is my Pilea turning black?
Although there are multiple contributing factors to this, the most common one happens to be lack of moisture.
How should one take care of their Pilea?
These plants are quite enduring in what concerns plant nurturing. That means moderate water with moderate temperatures will make any Pilea happy.
Why does my Pilea have brown spots?
Brown spots happen due to overwatering, overfertilising or sunburn.
Can Pilea grow in low light?
It can definitely survive in low light but it surely won't thrive. This plant prefers bright indirect light.
Should I mist my Pilea?
It adores occasional misting, especially during the mornings. Just like morning dew.
Why is my Pilea Dark Mystery dying?
It might come as a surprise, but kids and pets alike can happen to pull and shove and cut and maybe even destroy things around your beloved plant. You must not fret, with some venus flytraps you can fend for the Pilea. That, or get kids interested in plant-keeping.
