Pilea nummulariifolia aka Creeping Charlie

Taxonomy

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 Cress

How to care for Creeping Charlie

Difficulty

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

Water

Creeping Charlie should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

Creeping Charlie thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Water Cress.

Dormancy

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.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Creeping Charlie is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

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.

Fertilizer

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.

Region of origin

Creeping Charlie’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia