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Chinese Money Plant

Plant care guide

How to care for Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides

Care level: Easy

The Chinese money plant is instantly recognizable for its round, coin-like leaves that float on slender stems like little green pancakes. It grows quickly, sends up baby plants you can share with friends, and has a playful shape that suits almost any shelf or desk.

Also known as: Chinese Money Plant, Pilea, Pilea peperomioides, Pancake Plant, UFO Plant, Missionary Plant, Friendship Plant, Coin Plant

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox it right away and gently straighten any leaves that got squished; the stems are a little brittle, so go slowly.
  2. Place it in bright, indirect light, such as a few feet from an east or west window, away from heat vents and cold drafts.
  3. Check the soil: if the top inch is dry, water until it drains out the bottom; if it is still damp, wait a few days.
  4. Drooping leaves or a yellow lower leaf after shipping is normal; it should perk up within a week once it settles.
  5. Hold off on repotting for about 2 weeks.
  6. Start rotating the pot every few days now so it grows evenly instead of leaning toward the window.

Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.

Light

Bright, indirect light keeps the leaves big and flat, so aim for a spot near an east window or a few feet back from a south or west window. A little gentle morning sun is fine, but strong afternoon sun can bleach or burn the leaves. In low light, stems stretch long and leaves get smaller. Rotate it every few days, since it leans hard toward the light.

Water

Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, usually about once a week in summer and every 1 to 2 weeks in winter. Water thoroughly and let the excess drain away. Leaves that droop and feel soft with dry soil mean it's thirsty; yellowing lower leaves, black spots, or a soggy stem base mean too much water. Pileas would rather dry out a bit than sit wet.

Humidity

Normal household humidity is fine. It does not need misting. If the air is very dry in winter and leaf edges crisp, grouping it with other plants helps.

Temperature

Comfortable between about 60 and 80 degrees F. Keep it away from cold windows in winter and from heating vents. It can handle a cool room but should not drop below about 50 degrees F.

Soil & repotting

Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with some perlite added. A pot with a drainage hole is essential. Repot every 1 to 2 years in spring, going up one pot size, or when you divide off the babies.

Feeding

Feed monthly from spring through late summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter. A pale, washed-out color during the growing season can be a sign it is hungry.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Curling or domed leavesoften too much or too little light. Adjust it a little closer to or farther from the window.
  • Yellow lower leavesnormal aging if it's one at a time; many at once usually means overwatering.
  • Drooping leavesthirst if the soil is dry, root rot if the soil is wet. Check the soil before watering.
  • White spots on leavesoften mineral deposits from tap water, which wipe off; filtered water prevents them.
  • Leaning and lopsided growthit is chasing the light. Rotate the pot every few days.
  • Brown crispy spotssunburn from strong direct sun. Move it out of harsh afternoon rays.

Tips to help it thrive

  • Babies pop up from the soil around the main stem; once they are a couple of inches tall, cut them free below the soil line and pot them up to share.
  • Remove the lowest leaves as they yellow to keep the plant tidy; a bare lower stem is normal as it matures.
  • A small stake helps an older, taller pilea stay upright.

Pet safety

Chinese Money Plant isn't specifically named in the ASPCA's plant database, and it isn't known to be toxic. As with any houseplant, keep it out of reach of pets that like to chew.

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