The Pilea Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is a current popular houseplant that is easy to grow and propagate. It has the unique quality of sending up off-shoots making it perfect for sharing with your friends.
I have been a houseplant lover for my entire life. However, it has been during the last few years, when my daughter started really getting into gardening, that I have started collecting a few new plants. One of these that she said is very trendy is the Pilea plant or Pilea peperomioides.
This cheery plant has several common names such as Chinese Money Plant, UFO plant, even Pancake plant. But, the one I like is the Friendship or Pass it On plant because it produces offshoots from the base that you can easily repot and share. Above is a photo of the plant I bought and there were three offshoots. I kept the mother plant and the smallest babies and gave the other two to my daughter.
Since the baby was so tiny I watered it well and placed it in a closed plastic bag for a few months. As you can see it's grown quite a bit and is ready to move out of the bag.
Here's a look of the plant sending up new growth in the center.
Pilea Plant
FAQs
FAQs- Low maintenance - like most houseplants likes bright indirect sun
- Water when it's dry. For me, about once a week, sometimes less. Pilea does not like wet feet so make sure it has good drainage.
- Since the leaves tend to reach for the light you may need to turn the pot occasionally. I usually do this when I water.
- Bonus Points - This little guy is non-toxic to people and animals.
What to do with a Stretched Pilea
Often indoor plants don't get enough sunlight and tend to stretch toward the light. Similar to my post about stretched succulents you can cut a tall stem to encourage growth and keep your plant nice and full.
After you cut the top of the plant you can repot the cut piece in another vessel. Then you will notice more plants will start to grow around the cut stalk.
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And if you look closely you will see more stems growing from the stalk.
The result is a fuller lusher plant.
So if you're not already growing Pilea peperomioides, the friendship pass along plant, I'd say that it would be a great houseplant to add to your list.
Cassie J
I'm reading all this and just want to be certain I'm understanding correctly before I cut the main part of my plant. It's currently about 16 inches tall and the only part with any shoots is the top 4 inches. Can I cut a couple inches below the last shoot and plant it in dirt? Or should I put it in water first so it sprouts roots and then plant it in dirt? I haven't gotten any babies from this plant in a couple years now and when my friend 1st gave it to me, I got lots of babies. Now it's just growing taller (I have a stick supporting it now) and over time all the leaves have fallen off and only the top has shoots coming out.
Patti Estep
Cassie, yes. You can plant the cut portion in some well draining soil. Leave a little of the stalk in the original pot and it should sprout new growth. Make sure they are getting good light or use supplemental grow lights. I can't say for sure but that might be the reason the original plant was stretching.
Julie McCarter
Hi, my friendship plants leaves drop off sometimes, I don’t overwater …help.. Julie McCarter
Patti Estep
It could be a number of issues. Sometimes a leaf will drop from the bottom as the plant ages and that's normal. If it's consistently dropping leaves and has not been over-watered then you'll need to investigate what the problem may be. What has changed? Is there a pest problem? Does it need to be fertilized? The light could be an issue. Too much light could burn the leaves or if it is in a cold spot such as a drafty window can stress the plant. They also like humidity. Is it near a vent with heat now that it's winter drying out the air? If none of these seems to be a problem and your plant is a little older consider changing the pot to a slightly larger one and see if that helps.
Barbara
How does the friendship plant do with staking? Mine has finally grown well but when I turn it to balance it drops leaves. I also see tiny new growth coming from the soul so I'm very hesitant to disrupt it. Thanks for any recommendations!
Patti Estep
Barbara, you can definitely stake it. Find a very thin wooden dowel and use twine or garden ties to secure it close to the main stem. I bet you have some babies growing at the bottom. Enjoy.