Pilea microphylla aka Artillery Plant
Taxonomy ID: 461
Pilea microphylla, commonly known as angeloweed, artillery plant, joypowder plant or (in Latin America) brilhantina, is an annual plant native to Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, and tropical Central and Southern America. In the southern part of México, it is known as Frescura. This plant belongs to the family Urticaceae and has light green, almost succulent, stems and tiny 1/8" leaves. It is grown as a ground cover in many areas, often providing an interesting ground cover option even in the warmest of southern states, as well as for containers as it has no showy flowers.
It has earned the name "Artillery Fern", a misnomer, due to the unique way its pollen is dispersed - the tiny male flowers burst the pollen into the air in an explosive-like manner. This is similar to the aluminum plant and friendship plant of the genus Pilea, and its origin dates back over 5 million years, when fossils of its species were found. Its name comes from the Latin for 'felt cap' which refers to the unique way that its fruits are protected.
Common names
Artillery Plant, Rockweed, Military FernMore information about Artillery Plant
How difficult is it to take care of Artillery Plant
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Artillery Plant is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the region of origin of Artillery Plant
Artillery Plant’s native range is Worldwide.
What are the water needs for Artillery Plant
Artillery Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Artillery Plant
Artillery 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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Artillery Plant
To ensure optimal growth, the Artillery Plant prefers bright indirect 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.
What's the right humidity for Artillery Plant
The Artillery Plant does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Artillery Plant
The Artillery Plant should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Is Artillery Plant toxic to humans/pets?
Artillery Plant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
What's the dormancy for Artillery Plant
During the cold period, it is common for Artillery Plant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
What is the growth pattern of Artillery Plant
New growth will sprout from the top of the Artillery Plant as it grows vertically.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Pilea Genus
Pilea grandifolia
Pilea aquarum Pilea Aquarum
Pilea glabra Pilea 'Silver Sparkle'
Pilea nummulariifolia Creeping Charlie
Pilea spruceana Clearweed
Pilea libanensis Aluminium Plant
Pilea microphylla Artillery Plant
Pilea Clearweed
