Chinese money plant care

The Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) has round, coin-shaped leaves on long stalks. It is easy, pet-safe and produces plenty of offshoots to share — hence its other name, the friendship plant.

Light

Bright, indirect light keeps it compact. It leans strongly toward the light, so turn the pot a quarter turn every week for an even, round shape. Direct midday sun burns the leaves; in low light the stems stretch and leaves get smaller.

Watering

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry — usually every 7 to 10 days in summer and every two to three weeks in winter. Drooping leaves are a sign it's thirsty.

Soil and repotting

Use a well-draining potting mix with perlite, in a pot with a drainage hole. Repot every year or two in spring.

Humidity and temperature

Normal room humidity is fine. It tolerates cool rooms (down to about 12 °C) and is comfortable up to 27 °C.

Propagating the pups

Healthy plants send up small pups from the soil around the main stem. Once a pup is a few centimetres tall, cut it off just below the soil and pot it on its own or root it in water.

Common problems

• Curling, domed leaves: usually too much light, sometimes too little.
• Yellow lower leaves: overwatering, or old leaves dropping naturally.
• Leggy, leaning stem: not enough light or not being turned.
• Brown spots: sunburn or overwatering.

Is a Chinese money plant safe for pets?

Yes. Pilea peperomioides is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.