Pilea care
Pilea peperomioides — also called Chinese money plant, UFO plant, Pancake plant. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates medium. No harsh direct sun. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 7 days in summer, every 12 in winter. Let the top 1.5" dry first. |
| Soil | Standard houseplant mix — 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite |
| Humidity | At least 35%, happiest near 50% |
| Temperature | 60–80°F. Cold damage below 45°F; heat stress in sun above 90°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~45 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 2 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
What people get wrong about pilea
Rotate it weekly or it leans hard toward the light and never straightens.
Pups from the soil can be cut off and potted once they have a few inches of stem.
Common problems
Watch for spider mites, fungus gnats. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterPilea FAQ
How often should I water a pilea?
Roughly every 7 days in the growing season and every 12 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Let the top inch or two dry. Leaves droop noticeably when thirsty.
Is pilea toxic to cats and dogs?
No. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How much light does a pilea need?
Bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with medium. No harsh direct sun.
Why does my pilea have brown tips?
Pilea is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for pilea?
Standard houseplant mix: 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite. Bagged potting soil alone stays too wet in an indoor pot; perlite fixes the drainage.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.