Pilea pumila aka Canada Clearweed
Taxonomy
Pilea pumila, commonly known as clearweed, Canadian clearweed, coolwort or richweed, is an herbaceous plant in the nettle family (Urticaceae). It is native to regions worldwide, with fossils of Pilea species being found dating back over 5 million years ago! Pilea pumila has an erect annual growth habit and may reach from 0.7 to 70 cm tall, with translucent and bright green foliage, turning yellow in autumn, opposite, simple with dentate margins, wrinkly (with depressed veins) and ovate, borne on long petioles. Small, greenish yellow flowers are borne in axillary cymes, unisexual with both genders occurring on the same plant, pollinated by wind and blooming from midsummer through early autumn, while the fruits (achenes) are green with purple markings. Pilea plants often have succulent, water-storing leaves and this particular species has a high tolerance for disturbance, making it common in and around buildings, in gardens and natural areas including forests, roadside or shaded conditions, rich and loamy soil, as well as in ecologically degraded areas. Pilea plants are known for the unique way that their fruits are protected, resembling a 'felt cap'.
Common names
Canada Clearweed, Canadian Clearweed, ClearweedHow to care for Canada Clearweed
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Canada Clearweed is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Canada Clearweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Canada Clearweed 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
Canada Clearweed requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Canadian Clearweed is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Canada Clearweed plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Canada Clearweed is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
The Canada Clearweed 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 Canada Clearweed 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.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Canada Clearweed as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Canada Clearweed’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Pilea Genus
Pilea Clearweed
Pilea melastomoides
Pilea nummulariifolia Creeping Charlie
Pilea cadierei Aluminium Plant
Pilea spruceana Clearweed
Pilea glabra Pilea 'Silver Sparkle'
Pilea ovalis Friendship Plant
Pilea hitchcockii Pilea Black Mystery
