Pilea peperomioides aka Chinese Money Plant
Taxonomy ID: 3485
Pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese money plant, UFO plant, pancake plant, lefse plant, or missionary plant, is a species of flowering plant in the nettle family Urticaceae. This unique plant is native to the southwestern province of Sichuan and the western province of Yunnan in southern China, where it thrives in wooded areas at elevations ranging from 1500 to 3000 meters.
The Chinese money plant has round, glossy, leathery, vivid green leaves that can grow up to 10 centimeters in diameter. Initially forming a small, loose rosette with several leaves on long, slender legs, over time, the plant develops a trunk that requires support. With good care, the plant grows quickly, frequently halting when it reaches 30-35 centimeters in height.
The flowering of Pilea peperomioides is quite inconspicuous, with small, unisexual flowers collected in inflorescence brushes located in the axils of the leaves. Despite being grown as a houseplant in thousands of private European homes for 20 years, it wasn't known or studied by British botanists until later. The plant was first collected in 1906 in the Tsangshan mountain range in western Yunnan, China, rising to almost 14,000 feet altitude just west of the ancient city of Dali.
The Chinese money plant is an adorable addition to any interior with its unusual round leaves. Its natural habitat is exclusively found in China, where it is also kept as a garden plant. However, it is now a popular houseplant all around the world.
Common names
Chinese Money Plant, Pancake Plant, Chinese Missionary Plant, Friendship PlantMore information about Chinese Money Plant
How difficult is it to take care of Chinese Money Plant
With its straightforward care requirements, Chinese Money Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the growth pattern and size of Chinese Money Plant?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Chinese Money Plant
Chinese Money Plant’s native range is Worldwide.
What are the water needs for Chinese Money Plant
Chinese Money Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Chinese Money Plant
Chinese Money 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 Chinese Money Plant
To ensure optimal growth, the Chinese Money 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 Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant 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.
How to fertilize Chinese Money Plant
Once the Chinese Money Plant 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.
Is Chinese Money Plant toxic to humans/pets?
Chinese Money Plant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
What seasonal care does Chinese Money Plant need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Chinese Money Plant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Is Chinese Money Plant flowering?
If you provide your Chinese Money Plant with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
