The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides) is fast becoming a popular house plant because of its low maintenance needs but the benefits it provides in air purification, easy propagation and symbolism. It is believed that placing a coin in the soil of the plant will boost the money luck for the household!
First brought to Europe from China in 1946 by a Swedish missionary, Agnar Espegren, it started to make its way to the United States. The plant was growing on the CanShang Mountains in Yunnan province and therefore, also known as the Chinese Missionary Plant.
Where to Place
The Chinese money plant loves access to bright light but not direct sunlight. Being in the sun burns its leaves, while light shade may encourage larger leaves to grow. While this may not happen here in Hawaii, a period of cool temperatures may also make money plants more likely to produce tiny white flowers on pink stems.
Care and Maintenance
The Chinese money plant is a relatively low-maintenance plant but here are some tips to keep them healthy:
- a well-draining potting soil with drainage holes - similar to many other plants, it is critical for the soil to dry out between waterings so that the roots don't rot
- remember! more watering is required in warmer, sunnier weather, and since we are in Hawaii, it is almost ALL THE TIME. If the leaves start to look slightly droopy, that is a sign that the plant needs water
- To ensure that the plant keeps a nice, balanced shape, rotate it at least once a week to prevent it from getting lopsided.
- Since the large leaves tend to accumulate dust, regular showers or wiping down of leaves will benefit your money plant
- Keep your plant happy with every month with an all-purpose plant fertilizer
How to Propagate
Start your collection of money plants with the first happy and healthy one!
Picture Credit: A Beautiful Mess (www.abeautifulmess.com)
- Step 1: look for plantlets ("pups") up through the soil, which you can separate from the mother plant
- Step 2: when the pup is about 3" tall (above the soil), cut the baby plant free with a clean, sharp knife
- Step 3: here you have 2 options - place the plant in a) water or b) soil
- a) Water (picture below)
- b) Soil - keep the soil moist until the plant is well-anchored and begins to produce new leaves
Now, you are ready to spread the wealth!
Picture Credit: A Beautiful Mess (www.abeautifulmess.com)
