Chinese money plant (Pilea Peperomioides)

Retro Chinese money plants at Green Bubble

Over the past few years the Chinese money plant has made a glorious comeback as the undisputed star among plant lovers! Once a rare find, it is now an essential centrepiece in any modern home. This green friend is officially called the Pilea Peperomioides, and thanks to its flat, round leaves the Chinese money plant (pancake plant) picked up its nickname.

Where does the Chinese money plant originally come from?

The Pilea has its origins in the mountainous regions of south-west China, where it grows naturally on rocky slopes and in the shade of trees. The plant was first discovered by a Swedish missionary in the 1940s during his stay in China. He took some cuttings back to Europe, where it quickly became popular for its unusual looks and easy care.

Is the Chinese money plant toxic?

The Chinese money plant is known as a plant that is non-toxic to pets! That makes it the ideal companion for your furry friends. So it really is no problem if your cat sneaks a bite of it, though do make sure your cat doesn't nibble too much, which obviously isn't all that healthy.

The air-purifying qualities of the Chinese money plant

The Chinese money plant is known as an excellent air purifier! It may be small compared with other houseplants, but that doesn't mean its air-purifying power is small too. You would need several of them to make a noticeable difference, of course, but don't underestimate what each individual plant does. Every little helps.

How big can a Chinese money plant get?

The Chinese money plant can grow quickly when it's happy. That varies from plant to plant, naturally, and it depends very much on care and position. Over a long stretch of time the plant can reach about 30 to 40 cm tall and can develop a sturdy stem. You can also take cuttings, of course, and raise small new plants of your own.

Can the Chinese money plant flower?

It might surprise you, but yes, a Chinese money plant can flower! After a period of overwintering, small white flowers may appear on the plant. It is rare, though. Happily, flowering has no effect on the health or growth of the plant itself, so if you're lucky and yours starts to flower, just leave the blooms where they are.

How do you care for a Chinese money plant?

The Pilea Peperomioides is known for being easy to look after, but it still deserves a little attention now and then. Make sure you know the right care tips.

The water needs of the Chinese money plant

The Pilea likes a small drink of water once a week. Not sure whether yours needs watering? Push a finger into the soil and feel how dry it is. Has your plant already been repotted? Then fingers alone aren't enough and it's important to use a moisture meter. Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid too much water. To stop the roots rotting, make sure no water is left standing in the bottom of the pot.

Feeding the Chinese money plant

Chinese money plants are experts at finding their own nutrients in the rich potting soil they grow in. Over time it's good to top that up with some plant food. Do it in the summer months above all, because in winter the plant is resting and extra plant food can even do harm. Use ordinary houseplant food and never more than the recommended amount.

What is the best position for the Chinese money plant?

The Pilea loves light, but too much direct sunlight makes it shy, and it can even scorch the leaves! A bright spot with indirect sunlight is ideal. That way your Pilea gets its vitamin D without risking burnt leaves from intense UV rays. So remember not to stand your Chinese money plant right in front of the window.

Repotting the Chinese money plant

Planning to give your Chinese money plant a new home? Happily, the Pilea Peperomioides doesn't need repotting often, but when the time comes we want you to get it right! We'd advise repotting once every 2 years into a pot at least 20% larger than the current one. That gives it just enough room to grow and flourish. The best time to repot is in spring, because the plant recovers and grows faster then.

Taking cuttings and pruning the plant

One of the great bonuses of the Chinese money plant is how easily you can propagate it. You've probably spotted them already: sweet little baby plants growing around the mother plant. Let these little ones grow alongside the mother plant for a while before you take cuttings.
We've explained exactly how to go about it in our blog.

Pruning a Chinese money plant is no great chore. Some of its leaves may go limp and turn yellow. Don't worry if they do, because that is the plant's normal growth cycle. You can prune yours easily by gently pulling the leaves away, and you'll often find the limp, yellow ones come off by themselves. Pruning isn't strictly necessary, then, but it does look a lot better!

Diseases and pests on the Chinese money plant

The Chinese money plant is a tough customer when it comes to plant diseases. You'll rarely have to worry, happily, because the only one it can be prone to is mildew, and a natural treatment will usually deal with that quickly and effectively.

Ordering Chinese money plants from Green Bubble

Looking for a retro Chinese money plant? Then Green Bubble is the place to be! When you buy a plant you want nothing but the best, naturally. At Green Bubble we work every day to supply the highest-quality plants we can. All our plants come straight from the grower, so you're always assured of fresh, green gems.

At Green Bubble it's all about happy customers and healthy plants. Don't fancy going out and lugging plants home? No problem. You can order all your houseplants online with us, which makes ordering a Pilea Peperomioides child's play. And the best news? Order a Chinese money plant today and it will be with you in no time. Easy ordering and gorgeous houseplants, that's what Green Bubble stands for. So, ready to buy a stylish Chinese money plant? Join the Green Bubble family!