Pilea Peperomioides

Class

Eudicotyledonae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Urticaceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Pilea

Species

peperomioides

Description

Evergreen perennial plant whose ornamental value is conferred by its leaves bearing long, fleshy, rounded and regular petioles of a deep green colour and a diameter of up to 10/15 cm.

It is used as an indoor plant by ensuring it is exposed to light but sheltered from direct sunlight during the hottest hours. It can flower after one or more years.
It also withstands low temperatures (5/6 °C) well but in this case watering should be reduced or stopped.

Curiosities and special features

The common name 'Missionary Plant' derives from the Norwegian missionary Agnar Espegren who brought some specimens of Pilea peperomioides from Asia to Scandinavia in 1946 , later spreading it throughout Europe.

It is often called the 'Coin Plant' in reference to the particular rounded shape of the leaf blades.

Origin and distribution

A botanical species native to China, it was first collected in 1906 by the Scottish botanist G. Forrest in the Cangshan Mountains in Yunnan Province while it was described and classified in 1912 by the German botanist F. Diels and introduced to Europe in 1946 by the Norwegian missionary A. Espegren.

Leaf

The distinctive leaves, evergreen and bearing long petioles, have oval or circular lamina.

Leaf colour

Homogeneous green colouring, darker and brighter on the upper side and duller on the lower side. There is also a variety with mottled green or variegated creamy-white leaves.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.25 m, ideal for pots.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Due to its size, it is indicated as a plant for pots, porches, depending on the climatic conditions.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous, semi-woody; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a star-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small, compound umbel inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is mildly fragrant, with a fruity aroma.

Growth

Globular and proportionate growth.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is globular and tidy, perfect for interior spaces such as homes and offices.

PH

The ideal substrate pH for Pilea peperomioides is between 6.0 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Position the plant outdoors on balconies or terraces in temperate, half-shade areas. Indoors, ensure good light but away from direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. Also avoid cold draughts as well as placing the pot near radiators or other winter heating sources.

Ideal climate and temperature

Suitable for a hot and humid climate. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 26 °C. The vital temperature is between 10 and 38 °C.

Use

Widely cultivated as a pot plant in:
Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Medium-hardy, it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Soil

Use a new, high-quality substrate specifically for green pot plants.

The choice of the correct potting soil is of paramount importance to ensure proper root development and thus optimal vegetative growth.

Difficulty

Given the right light and temperature conditions, cultivation of Pilea is fairly easy.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines to achieve the best vegetative development:
Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and humid climate

Propagation

Reproduction can be done by detaching a leaf with its stem and placing it in the same pot, ensuring the correct temperature and humidity conditions.

Repotting

It is possible to repot Pilea every two or three years, replacing the old substrate.

Watering

Although it is a plant that prefers a warm, moist climate, it is necessary to avoid waterlogging, even in the saucer. The substrate must be kept moist but not saturated. Excessive watering causes yellowing of the leaves and rotting of the roots, which are very thin and sensitive to water saturation of the substrate itself. During the winter period, if temperatures are low, reduce watering.

Fertilising

It fears over-fertilisation, especially in conjunction with water stress. During the spring-summer period, distribute a balanced fertiliser specifically for green plants to the substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the dose and frequency.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Water stagnation on the underside of the pot is to be avoided at all costs. However, it likes a warm, humid climate, although it lives very well in dry areas where, however, the size of the leaves is reduced. Do not remove the shoots coming out of the pot so that you get a very well-tended plant.