Pilea spruceana aka Clearweed
Taxonomy
Pilea spruceana, also known as the silver tree, is an evergreen plant in the Urticaceae family that can grow up to 1 foot in height and spread up to 1.5 feet in width. The dark-colored mountain plant, native to upper South America, has dark green leaves that can appear almost black in the right light. Known for its succulent, water-storing leaves, the Pilea Silver Tree is a great addition to any home and is valued by gardeners of all levels of experience. The name Pilea comes from Latin, meaning 'felt cap', which makes reference to the distinctive way the fruits are protected. With fossils of the species dating back over 5 million years, the Pilea Silver Tree is sure to provide beauty and intrigue for many years to come.
Common names
Clearweed, Lucifers Napkin, Silver Tree, Friendship PlantHow to care for Clearweed
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Clearweed is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Clearweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
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
To ensure optimal growth, the Clearweed 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 cold period, it is common for Clearweed to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Humidity
The Clearweed does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Clearweed should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Clearweed’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Pilea Genus
Pilea hitchcockii Pilea Black Mystery
Pilea libanensis Aluminium Plant
Pilea grandifolia
Pilea pubescens
Pilea glabra Pilea 'Silver Sparkle'
Pilea mollis Moon Valley Pilea
Pilea Clearweed
Pilea spruceana Clearweed
Pilea rotundinucula Pilea Rotundinucula
