Pilea cadierei aka Aluminium Plant

Taxonomy

Pilea cadierei, also known as the aluminium plant or watermelon pilea, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the nettle family, Urticaceae. It is native to China (provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan) and Vietnam and it has been awarded with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This genus is popular for its endurance and relative unpretentiousness and its ability to grow both in greenhouses and at home - some species, such as the Pilea Kadie, can grow very fast. Pilea plants typically grow in the forests of tropical zones worldwide, excluding Australia, and often have succulent, water-storing leaves. Fossils of Pilea species have been found dating back over 5 million years ago!

Common names

Aluminium Plant, Aluminum Plant

How to care for Aluminium Plant

Difficulty

Aluminium Plant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Aluminium Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Aluminium Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Aluminium Plant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Aluminium Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Aluminium Plant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Aluminium Plant. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Aluminium Plant is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Aluminium Plant grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Aluminium Plant’s native range is Worldwide.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Aluminium Plant blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia