Pilea Care Sheet

Light: Pilea likes bright indirect light. Direct sun can burn the leaves, while a lack of light will stunt growth and produce a leggy effect. This plant will grow in the direction of the light, so rotate your plant periodically to encourage even growth. 

Water: Keep the pilea’s soil lightly moist but never soggy. Allow the surface of the soil to dry before watering again and make sure your plant has good drainage to avoid root rot. If the soil stays too wet, the stems will quickly rot. *Pilea peperomioides can go slightly drier than other varieties. 

Environment: The pilea family is very large, with the aluminum plant and baby’s tears being some of the most common. That said, you may find a large variety in the pilea family, each with slight particularities. In general, pilea prefer 60-75 degree F temperatures and high humidity, with good air circulation to encourage them to grow well. Feed every two weeks in the spring and summer when they are actively growing. 

Toxicity: Pilea plants are reported to be non-toxic

Of Note:

• Root rot due to overwatering is one of the main problems that affect pilea.
• Regularly trim the plant with sharp scissors to maintain its shape and fullness.
• Propagating pilea is fairly simple and a good option for when the plant is too leggy to look appealing. Simply cut off a piece, stick it in water or moist soil (with rooting hormone if available), and wait.