Pileas come in several popular varieties and are easy to grow. Here is a guide to these interesting houseplants!
Pileas are available in both bushy and trailing varieties, and they are ideal plants for beginners and green thumbs alike due to their complete lack of fussiness. They are easy to grow and do well in both bright light and partial shade, but should be kept out of direct sunlight. They enjoy high humidity, so they should be kept on a humidity tray or misted regularly. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Cuttings will root easily in either water or soil. Here is a look at the most popular varieties:
Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei): This variety is bushy and has large leaves about three inches long, Its prized for its foliage, which is quilted and deep bronze-green splashed with silver and sporting red undersides. While young plants are attractive and bushy, older ones can grow up to one foot tall and become leggy. Once this happens, take cuttings and start new plants.
Moon Valley (Pilea mollis): This variety is one of the most striking of all the Pileas. Its leaves are deeply grooved and bright green with copper veins. It too is compact and bushy and should be pinched regularly to keep it from getting leggy. It will produce tiny yellow flowers in the summer.
Creeping Charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia): This variety is small and compact. Its green, quilted leaves are only a ½ inch across. They grow on red stems and have an attractive, trailing habit.
Artillery Plant (Pilea. microphylla): At just 1/8th of an inch across, this variety has even tinier leaves than Creeping Charlie. Its foliage resembles that of a fern, with feathery stems and pale green leaves. If you have allergies you may want to avoid this variety due to its habit of sending out a cloud of pollen every time it is touched-hence its nickname.
Common Problems:
Leaf Drop: It's normal for Pileas to lose a few leaves in the winter. Otherwise the cause is cold air. Cut back the affected stems and new growth will appear.
Wilting: This is caused by either over or underwatering. The best way to know if plants are being watering properly is to purchase a moisture meter. They are available in most garden centers and big-box stores and work by being pushed into the soil. The display reveals if the soil is dry, wet, or just right.
Brown Discoloration on Leaves: This is caused by a sudden drop in temperature or too little light. Remove the affected leaves and improve the conditions.
Despite these few problems, Pileas are generally attractive, easy to grow, and carefree plants. Don’t be afraid to give them a try!
