Free Pilea Cadierei Plants

An attractive plant with a silver or aluminium sheen to the leaves, hence the common name. It is useful in moderately lit positions, such as within the body of a room. Although it will probably grow for a number of years, the foliage can tend to become rather straggly and dull in colour. It is therefore advisable to renew the plant every year or two, either from tip cuttings taken from the original plant or by buying a new plant. In the spring and summer months take particular care to watch out for aphids, which can quickly cause great damage to the new shoots. If damage does occur, the damaged growth should be pinched off to a pair ofleaves. This will encourage fresh growth, which should appear unmarked.

Plant type : Foliage plant with compact, bushy habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 10-30cm (4—12in)
Flower : Insignificant, produced in spring/summer
Leaf : Oval, slightly puckered, 5cm (2in), green and silver
Temperature : 18-21°C (64 -70°F)
Aspect/Light : Moderate light
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost throughout year, taking care never to over-water and allowing to dry out a little before re-watering
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 6-7.5cm (2±-3in) tip cuttings in seed and cutting compost at 18-21°C (64 -70°F) from mid to late spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Aphid, mealy bug, leggy growth with lower leaf loss caused by over-watering and also age
Availability : Commonly available throughout the year
Uses indoors : Can be used in body of most rooms, away from direct sunlight
Other varieties : P. spruceana 'Norfolk' - bronze and silver leaves