Chinese money plants require moderate indirect sunlight and do not require high maintenance. These plants enhance the ambiance of your place with their beautiful look.
WHAT IS CHINESE MONEY PLANT
The Chinese money plant is also called Pilea peperomioides, this is the botanical name of the Chinese money plant. The Chinese money plant belongs to the family Urticaceae of plants. Chinese money plants are mostly found in mild climatic conditions.
APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
The Chinese money plant has smooth and shiny leaves which give a beautiful look to the plant. Chinese money plant has small leaves which have a saucer-like shape. Leaves are green in color with a red tint at the corners of the leaves. Red tint becomes prominent in the high levels of light and this adds more attraction and beauty to the appearance of the plant. The Chinese money plant is 12 inches tall. It is an indoor plant.
Plant recommendation: Looking for a beautiful rainforest style plant, then check out Calathea orbifolia from Bolivia.
QUICK SUMMARY
Botanical Plant Name: Pilea peperomioides.
Native to: Southern China.
Care: Easy to care.
Size: 12 inches tall.
Common problems: Pests, curling leaves, yellowing leaves.
Toxicity: Considered non-toxic to both humans and pets.
Another non-toxic plant is the common Peperomia raindrop from South America.
HOW TO CARE FOR CHINESE MONEY PLANT
SUNLIGHT
Pilea peperomioides should be placed in an area where they can receive a medium to bright indirect sunlight. It should not be placed in locations where it receives direct and scorching sunlight as it will cause the leaves to burn. It is important to rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth. Although the plant can grow in lower light conditions, the coin-shaped leaves may become smaller.
WATERING
Being a perennial the Chinese money plant has medium water needs. The soil should be kept moist and avoid it from being completely dry. Before the next watering session, allow the plant to be nearly dry and then water well. The leaves of the plant will start sagging when it dries out which is an indication that the plant needs to be watered again. If the plant is placed in a warm room it will have to be watered more frequently.
HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE
The Chinese money plant grows well in average household temperature and humidity levels. However, extremely dry conditions should be avoided which means that the plant should not be placed near heating vents. Also, it should not be placed in temperatures below 50°F. However, during the month of winter, short exposure to cold may help the plant in blooming.
CLEANING
The most simple way to clean the leaves of this plant is with a simple wipe down. By using a damp cloth, wipe the leaves of the plant both front and back gently and make sure to support each leaf to avoid any damage.
FERTILIZING & SOIL
It is beneficial to fertilize the Chinese money plant during the time of spring and summer. During the months of fall and winter, fertilizing should be avoided as the plant is in a state of dormancy. A balanced fertilizer should be used for the best results.
The soil of Pilea peperomioides should be rich and well-draining. Ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged.
REPOTTING
The Chinese money plant is fast-growing and can fill the pot with roots more quickly when it is cared well.
Repotting in the months of spring or summer is recommended to refresh the soil. Repotting should be done with a pot that is at least 2 inches bigger than the previous.
HOW AND WHEN TO PRUNE
Pruning of Chinese money plants should be done at the start of the growing season or winters. Plants should only be pruned when you see too many dry and dull leaves on the plant. Chinese money plants can be easily pruned by using gardening scissors, knives, or secateurs. Trim off or pick the yellow and brown leaves to give a healthy appearance to the plant but do not remove all the leaves from the stem. Leave at least one leaf on the stem.
Plant recommendation: another plant which is easy to prune is the Stromanthe sanguinea (Stromanthe triostar).
PROBLEMS WITH CHINESE MONEY PLANT
Some of the major problems with Chinese money plant are as follows:
- Overwatering Chinese money plants play a major role in the rotting of the plant and dropping of the leaves and causing oedema.
- Rotting of roots occurs due to overhydration and the introduction of pathogens.
HOW TO PROPAGATE CHINESE MONEY PLANT
Here is the procedure for propagating Chinese money plant:
1- Take a pot filled with moist soil.
2- Then take a plant cutting of a Chinese money plant which must be healthy and free from pathogens. Remove the excess soil from the roots of the matured plant.
3- Separate the segments of the roots.
4- Plant these into the pot.
5- Make sure to use clean scissors or a knife for cutting the plant.
COMMON FAQs
- HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A CHINESE MONEY PLANT NEED?
The Chinese money plant needs bright light but it should not be directed directly at the plant.
- WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE CHINESE MONEY PLANT?
Specialty of the Chinese money plant is its air-purifying quality and the beautifully stacked leaves which look like coins.
- ARE CHINESE MONEY PLANTS GOOD INDOOR PLANTS?
The Chinese money plant is an ideally good indoor plant. But try to put it in indirect sunlight.
- CAN A CHINESE MONEY PLANT SURVIVE IN LOW LIGHT?
Chinese money plants can survive in moderate light. Bright direct light and low light destroy and fade the plant.
- CAN CHINESE MONEY PLANTS GROW IN SHADES?
Yes, Chinese money plants can grow in shady areas but avoid putting the plant in completely dark places.
- WHAT IS THE COMMON REASON FOR THE DEATH OF THE CHINESE MONEY PLANT?
The common reasons are underwatering and Overwatering the plant because it leads to wilting, drooping, and the rotting of roots.
SUMMARY
The Chinese money plant is a plant native to Southern China. The Chinese money plant needs moderate indirect light. Chinese money plants can be put on the windows to add beauty and freshness to your room and house. The height of the Chinese money plant measured is up to 12 inches. Saucer-shaped stacked leaves make the plant magnificently attractive. Beneficial conditions for Chinese money plants can be created by providing moderate indirect sunlight, moist soil, suitable temperatures, proper cleaning, fertilization, and repotting. The Chinese money plant is a non-toxic plant for humans and animals.