Pilea Peperomioides, Pancake Plant
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese Money Plant is an evergreen succulent plant and easy to grow houseplant. It grows to a height of about 30 cm tall and wide. Because it is native to southern China and has flat round coin-shaped leaves, that's why its name is Chinese Money Plant. Its stem has a center upright straight, greenish to dark brown, which is surrounded by all sides by its peltate leaves.
Its flowers are very small, whitish or pale green, which appears in spring on pinkish stems.
Chinese Money Plant is the winner of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Details about Chinese Money Plant "Pilea Peperomioides, Pancake Plant"
Short History of Chinese Money Plant
As I mentioned above that it is native to southern China (Yunnan Province), so it hasn't been a houseplant before. A Norwegian missionary Agnar Espegren brought this plant from China to Norway, in the middle of the 1940s. He shares cuttings of the plant with his friends and the plant spread in the people.
How to Care for Chinese Money Plant
Chinese Money Plant is very easy to care for. But it suffers from mealybugs and fungal gnats. So whenever you find any bugs on them treat it with insecticidal soap to prevent problems.
It is best suitable for indoor growing because it likes bright indirect sunlight. So keep it in a bright window but no direct light. To keep your plant upright straight rotate it at least once a week, because the plant turns all its leaves towards the light.
If you ever find small white spots on the leaves of your Chinese Money Plant, these spots are because of salts and chemicals in your water. If you don't have a filtration system then leave the water overnight in an open container, which can help in removing some of the chlorine and fluoride from it.
How and when to Water?
Chinese Money Plant does not require any special watering schedule. You can use the same succulents and cacti watering method just like for other succulents plants. It is best to water once the soil perfectly dries out. Otherwise, its roots may rot in wet soil.
If the leaves look droopy then this is the sign that your plant needs water. But if the lower leaves turn yellow and falling then this is the sign of overwatering.
Where should you keep?
As I mentioned above that it does not like direct sunlight because direct sun rays scorch its leaves. So keep it indoors near a bright window, where it gets enough indirect light.
You can also plant it outdoor in a container in warmer months, but protect it from direct sunlight and also rotate it after a few days to grow it in good shape (upright straight).
If you live in a colder environment, where temperature can go below 30 °F (-1.1 °C), bring it inside as it is not cold hardy, and can not grow quickly in winter. Also, don't forget to use Best DIY Succulent Soil for the container. OR, get the best pre-mixed succulents and cacti soil.
How to Propagate Chinese Money Plant
Chinese Money Plant can be propagated only by offsets and it is very easy for beginners to propagate it.
Propagate by Offsets
Chinese Money Plant produces small offsets around its base. Simply separate the offset from the main plant with a clean sharp knife and plant them in well-draining succulents and cacti soil.
Remember to give water when the soil is completely dry. I have mentioned that at the last in how often to water succulents and cacti guide.
Where to Buy?
As the Chinese Money Plant is rare. Normally you may not find it in nurseries. Because it grows too slowly for them to make a profit. Therefore, your best chance is to get it from someone willing to share his cuttings with you. And your last chance of getting its cuttings from online sellers.
Chinese Money Plant may available on:
Chinese Money Plant video
The "Crazy Plant Guy" at YouTube has made a decent video about the Chinese money plant (Pilea Peperomioides). Enjoy watching.
Image Credit: Paraphernalia, Wikimedia
Facts & Features
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12 inches Tall & Wide
This plant grows up to 12" (30.5 cm) tall and wide.
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Best for Indoor
Or keep it in a full shady area.
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Full Shady
Protect from direct sunlight.
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Grows in Spring
Need attention in the active growing season.
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Non Toxic
It's safe for humans and pets.
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Normal Watering
Use regular succulent watering methods. Learn how to water succulents easily.
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Not Cold Hardy
Protect from very low temperatures.
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Propagation by Offsets
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Zone 10a
In this zone, the temperature can drop up to 30° F ( -1.1° C )