Pilea Care: The Chinese Money Plant
Priya Hollis · Sep 1, 2026 · 4 min read
Quick answer
Round leaves, easy propagation, and simple care make pilea a favourite houseplant to share.
Pilea peperomioides has coin-shaped leaves on long stalks and grows quickly in good conditions.
It produces baby plants (offsets) around its base, which is why it is often passed between friends.
1 Light
Bright, indirect light keeps leaves flat and the plant compact. Rotate weekly, as it leans toward the light.
2 Watering
Water when the top half of the compost is dry. Drooping leaves usually mean it is thirsty; yellowing and soft stems suggest overwatering.
3 Propagation
- ✓Wait until offsets are a few centimetres tall
- ✓Cut them free at or just below soil level
- ✓Root in water or plant straight into compost
- ✓Keep warm and bright while they establish
4 Common issues
Curling or domed leaves often mean too much light or uneven watering. Pilea is considered non-toxic to pets.
5 Feeding and repotting
Feed pilea monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser at half strength. Repot every year or two in spring, using a pot only slightly larger with good drainage. A free-draining houseplant compost mixed with some perlite suits it well. Remove lower leaves as they naturally yellow and drop.
This is general gardening information. Results depend on your climate, soil, and conditions. Follow label directions for any fertiliser or treatment, and check whether plants are toxic to pets or children before bringing them home.