Pilea (Chinese Money Plant)

Botanical Name: Pilea Peperomioides

Commonly known as the Chinese Money Plant, Pilea Peperomioides is a flowering nettle native to China, but also very rarely found in parts of Scandinavia, where it has been naturalised.  The Chinese Money Plant is quite compact – it may not fit on some windowsills, but will invariably accent coffee tables, desks, and TV stands. It has shiny, peltate (rounded) leaves in a deep green, resembling – to a certain extent – coins.  It is a common ornamental plant, but there remains some debate as to whether or not it is endangered.  

Pilea Peperomioides cannot withstand temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius but are otherwise easy to grow.  They enjoy being watered regularly, but the surface of the soil should be allowed to dry between each watering.  They enjoy partial shade and high-quality compost-based soils.