Chinese Money 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:

• Amazon
• Etsy

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