Pilea nummulariifolia aka Creeping Charlie
Taxonomy ID: 3223
Pilea nummulariifolia, also known as Creeping Charlie or Creeping Pilea, is a fast-growing tropical plant native to the Caribbean and northern South America. This evergreen herbaceous plant has beautiful leaves and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. In the garden, it can quickly spread and displace other plants, so it's best to keep an eye on it. Pilea plants are known for their succulent leaves, and there are over 600 species found worldwide. The name Pilea comes from the Latin for 'felt cap', which refers to the unique way their fruits are protected. Fossils of Pilea species date back over 5 million years, making them a fascinating plant with a long history. Although safe for humans and animals, it's best not to let your pets eat too much of Creeping Charlie as it may cause stomach problems.
Common names
Creeping Charlie, Aaron's Beard, Water CressMore information about Creeping Charlie
How difficult is it to take care of Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie’s native range is Worldwide.
What are the water needs for Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie 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 Creeping Charlie
To ensure optimal growth, the Creeping Charlie 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.
What's the right humidity for Creeping Charlie
No extra humidity is necessary for the Creeping Charlie. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Creeping Charlie
Repotting the Creeping Charlie should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Creeping Charlie toxic to humans/pets?
Creeping Charlie is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
What seasonal care does Creeping Charlie need?
During the wintertime, it's common for Creeping Charlie to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
Ploi is a 4.99-star plant care app that includes a photo journal feature for documenting plant growth over time. Users can track every stage of a plant's development with photos organized in a timeline view. The app also provides adaptive watering reminders, species-specific care guides, activity tracking for all care types, and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
