Free Pilea Plants

Pilea is a popular household plant belonging to the Urticaceae family. This plant is commonly found in the tropical environment of Southeast Asia and North America. And at some sub-tropical environment but keep in mind that this plant will not grow in the soil of Australia and New Zealand. This plant has a big family consisting of around 600 different species and is considered to be the largest genus. And they in a variety of ways—bushy to trailing ways depending on the space availability and the way you pinch off the plant. The common name to this plant is Pilea aluminum plant because its leaves give the appearance of a metallic silver color resembling aluminum. This evergreen plant is most commonly seen in the indoor environment and at times in the open landscape as a decoration plant. This plant can grow up to 12 inches in height and can spread quite far depending on the area you provide.

Foliage : Pilea has a unique foliage and it is the foliage that attracts most of the plant lovers to have at least one Pilea plant at home. This plant gives rise to variegated foliage having a silver pattern on a green leaf.

Bloom : Bloom is not very popular in a Pilea plant because it is not that visible compared to some other good blooming plants. This plant gives rise to tiny cream or pink bloom which most of the time goes unnoticed.

Growing and taking care of Pilea : Growing Pilea is easy and keep in mind that this plant is a great lover to the tropical environment. If you are new to gardening, it is good that you choose Pilea because it is very simple to take care of this plant. At the same time it is an inexpensive plant compared to the other plants. You need to have good idea about the soil condition, light, temperature, amount of water needed and fertilizer needed by this particular if you are looking for a productive cultivation.

Temperature : Maintaining the right temperature is very important for any type of plants proper growth. The Pilea plant prefers to grow in a warm temperature of 20-24 C day temperature and 16-21 C night temperature. Also know that this plant prefers a shady environment. Thus, try to avoid direct sunlight during the day light. And during the winter months, this plant prefers to grow in an area where it receives proper day light.

Since this plant grows indoor, you need to keep certain things in mind. Avoid keeping this plant very close to the air conditioner and protect it from the direct heat from a heater.

Fertilizer : Fertilizer is very important for a plants healthy growth. When it comes to the plantation of pilea, the best time to fertilize this plant is during the active growing months—summer and spring months where the plant will require a lot of nutrients for its proper growth. You are suggested to apply liquid fertilizer and the best time to do this is once in a month time. You need to apply fertilizer in a moist soil, applying fertilizer in a dry soil can damage the root of the plant.

Soil : It is important to choose the right kind of soil in order to get the right kind of cultivation. For a Pilea plant, this plant prefers to grow in a loamy soil, rich in humus or compost manure and having a well drained soil. Also keep the soil moist at all the times.

Water : Water being the blood and food for a plants good existence is a must for any plants right growth and care. This plant is the lover of moist soil. Thus, it is important to keep the soil moist through good watering. The amount of water needed by this plant greatly depends on the day temperature. If the day temperature is hot, you might want to provide water in the morning and evening. If the outside temperature is cold, you may want to water only once in a day. Also the best way to figure out when to water this plant is to check the top soil—if the top soil is dry, you need to water the plant else it is not necessary. Make sure you water this plant well especially during the summer and spring months when the plant is actively growing. You can reduce the level of watering during the winter months which is the resting time of Pilea or time of slow growth. This plant being a tropical plant prefers growing in 50% humid environment. This humidity can be maintained by applying the misting method or allowing the plant to grow in a pot containing pebbles and water at the bottom of the pot.

Never water excessively or this plant will die out due to rotten roots. Make sure to remove the excess water collected in the saucer.


Light : Pilea plant prefers some amount of light but not full or direct sunlight. This plant will droop down if left to grow in a dark environment but make sure that this plant is not disturbed by direct exposure to light.

Pruning : Pruning is common in a Pilea plant. This plant will yield well especially when you prune this plant by pinching off the matured and old foliage. Pinching off the foliage is advantageous because you will get to witness fresh new growth within no time and that too with a bushier appearance and much attractive to the viewers eyes.

Propagation : The stem cutting method of propagation is very common in case of Pilea plant. And the best time to do this is during the spring months –the active growing months. It is good to keep this plant inside a plastic, in this way the plant will maintain proper moisture or humidity. Make sure the soil is rich in compost manure and is loamy or rich with humus.

Repotting : Repotting is advantageous for any plants proper growth. Pilea will grow better upon repotting once in a year. Repotting lets the plant grow in a fresh soil rich in compost manure. At the same time, when you repot the plant will get to spread and grow better in the larger pot.

Uses : Pilea plant has household uses as an indoor plant or household plant. It’s an attractive plant. Thus, you will experience the touch of nature inside a home environment where this plant will never fail to grab your attention with its wonderful colored foliage.

This plant when left to grow outdoors, beautifies the outdoor environment and it will look wonderful when left to grow on the walls or even on the open surfaced ground.