Pilea Peperomioides - Care Advice

This quirky and characterful houseplant has earned itself a bit of a cult following – and for good reason. Native to the Yunnan Province of Southern China, Pilea peperomioides was once a rare and hard-to-find plant. It made its way into homes around the world thanks to plant enthusiasts sharing cuttings – and even today, it’s often passed between friends, earning it nicknames like the "Friendship Plant" or "Pass-it-on Plant." With its upright stems and perfectly round, coin-like leaves, it brings a fresh, sculptural look to any room. It’s also fast-growing and surprisingly easy to care for, making it a joy to own. Given the right conditions, mature plants may even produce tiny white flowers on pinkish stems, although their real charm lies in their foliage.

Light: Your money plant likes a bright spot with plenty of natural light – an East-facing windowsill or a spot a little back from a South-facing window is ideal. It doesn’t enjoy strong direct sun for long periods, which can scorch the leaves, but it won’t thrive in low light either. 

Water: Water when the top half of the soil has dried out. These plants like consistency, so avoid letting them dry out completely or sit in soggy soil. A good rule of thumb is to check the weight of the pot (roughly weekly) and when it feels noticeably lighter, it’s time to water. Remove the plant from its decorative pot, pour water in slowly until it starts to drain through the bottom, then let the excess drain away fully. Bottom watering works well too.

Soil: Use a free-draining, chunky houseplant mix when repotting – our own chunky blend is ideal. Avoid anything too heavy, as Pilea roots dislike sitting in moisture. You’ll likely only need to repot every couple of years, or sooner if you spot roots peeking through the bottom of the pot.

Temperature: General household temperatures between 16–24°C suit this plant well. It doesn’t like cold draughts or sudden temperature drops, so avoid placing it right by a door or window that’s frequently opened in winter.

Nutrients: A regular feed during the growing season (spring to early autumn) helps encourage lush, healthy growth. We recommend a half-strength liquid houseplant feed once a month. Avoid overfeeding during the winter months when growth naturally slows.

A few last notes: As the plant matures, you might notice baby plants – or “pups” – growing from the base or even on the stems. These can be left to grow or gently removed and potted up to create new plants (or gifts for friends!). Older leaves may occasionally yellow and drop off – this is completely normal and just part of the plant’s growth cycle. Wipe the leaves every so often to keep them free of dust and looking glossy. Pilea peperomioides is non-toxic, so it’s safe to keep around curious pets.