Pilea Peperomioides 'Chinese Money'
Product details
| Management number | 250425935 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$6.30 | Model Number | 250425935 | ||
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- Description
- Pilea Peperomioides 'Chinese Money' Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
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Pilea Peperomioides 'Chinese Money', also called Chinese Money Plant, is a flowering perennial native to the Yunnan province of southern China, where it grows in rocky, shaded habitats at the base of the Himalayas. It belongs to the Urticaceae family and was largely unknown in Western horticulture until the mid-20th century, when it spread person to person through cuttings before reaching commercial cultivation.
'Chinese Money' has round, coin-shaped leaves that sit on long, thin petioles attached at the center of each leaf rather than the edge, giving every leaf a pancake-like appearance. The leaves are dark green, smooth, and waxy on top, growing up to four inches across on a compact upright stem. New leaves emerge from the central growing point, and the plant gradually develops a single short trunk as it matures.
'Chinese Money' produces small, inconspicuous white flowers on pink stems, though it blooms rarely indoors. It needs a drop in nighttime temperature to trigger flowering. The plant is pet-friendly, and it also purifies indoor air, making it a safe and functional choice for shared living spaces.
Rotate 'Chinese Money' a quarter turn every week or so, as it leans noticeably toward the light source without regular turning. You can move it outside for summer in a sheltered spot, but keep it covered from rain and away from direct sun, which scorches the leaves. Keep it away from air conditioning and heating vents, as dry or forced air causes the leaf edges to brown. It grows well under standard office LED lighting, and the soil surface wilts slightly when the plant needs water.
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Pilea Peperomioides 'Chinese Money' grows well in bright indirect light, such as a north- or east-facing window.
Water it every 10 to 14 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
'Chinese Money' does best in a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-free all-purpose blend combined with perlite.
It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and should not drop below 50°F.
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'Chinese Money' grows at a moderate pace and benefits from a balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly during spring and summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12, tolerating outdoor conditions where frost does not occur. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, Hawaii, southern California, and parts of Texas and Arizona. It can also stay outdoors through autumn in zone 9 areas before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F.
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Q: Can Pilea Peperomioides 'Chinese Money' grow under artificial office lighting?
A: Yes, it grows well under standard fluorescent or LED office lights, though growth may be slower than in a bright window.
Q: How do I know when it needs water?
A: Pilea Peperomioides 'Chinese Money' wilts slightly when the soil has dried out enough to need water. Check the top inch of soil as a secondary guide.
Q: Is 'Chinese Money' safe for cats and dogs?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic and pet-friendly for both cats and dogs.
Q: How do I propagate this plant?
A: 'Chinese Money' sends up small offshoots, called pups, from the base or soil near the mother plant. Separate them once they reach a few inches tall and pot them individually.
Q: Why is my Chinese Money Plant leaning to one side?
A: It leans toward its light source. Rotating the pot a quarter turn once a week keeps the growth even on all sides.
Q: How large does Chinese Money Plant get indoors?
A: Chinese Money Plant typically reaches 8 to 12 inches tall and wide at maturity indoors, though this varies with pot size and light levels.
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