Pilea mollis aka Moon Valley Pilea

Taxonomy

Pilea mollis is a species of flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. It is used as an ornamental plant, particularly the cultivar 'Moon Valley', and is a genus consisting of about 600 species of frost tender, tropical foliage plants. These include both upright bushy types and trailing varieties that have succulent, water-storing leaves. They are small, easy to grow and care for, and popular as houseplants in dish gardens and starter plants due to their varying foliage that ranges from 3" strongly textured, lance-shaped leaves to tiny heart-shaped, moss-like foliage. Pileas are native to regions worldwide and date back over 5 million years ago. They may occasionally bloom, although their pink or cream-colored flowers are very tiny and often go unnoticed.

Common names

Moon Valley Pilea, Friendship Plant

How to care for Moon Valley Pilea

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Moon Valley Pilea, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Moon Valley Pilea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Moon Valley Pilea 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 Moon Valley Pilea 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.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Moon Valley Pilea plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Moon Valley Pilea does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Moon Valley Pilea has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Moon Valley Pilea’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia