Pilea peperomioides

Chinese money plant, Pancake plant, UFO plant, Coin plant, Friendship plant, Missionary plant

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic20–45 cm

Pilea peperomioides grows wild in the shaded mountain forests of Yunnan and Sichuan in south-west China, where it clings to rocky slopes beneath a cool forest canopy. Its circular, peltate leaves — attached at the centre of the blade rather than the edge — give it an immediately recognisable silhouette. A fast grower that throws up offsets readily from the base, it is one of the easier plants to propagate and pass on. In an open terrarium it works well as a focal point, though its steadily spreading form means it will need thinning or replacing every year or so.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Chinese Money Plant image

Photo by Michael Wolf·CC BY-SA 3.0

Care

Prefers medium humidity, bright indirect light, with 10–30 °C, and reaches 45 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

Medium (40–60%)(preferred)Low (30–40%)High (60–80%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
10°C – 30°C

Soil

Loamy(preferred)Well draining

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

6 – 7

Propagation

Take a 5–10 cm section of stem with a few leaves intact. Root in water or moist propagation mix; changing the water every few days reduces rot risk. Expect roots within 3–6 weeks.

Native range

Native to China.

Appearance

Growth habit

UprightClumping

Leaf shape

Round

Leaf texture

GlossySmooth

Frequently asked

Can Chinese money plant grow in a closed terrarium?

Chinese money plant prefers medium (40–60%) humidity, which is below the level a closed terrarium typically maintains. It is better suited to an open terrarium or houseplant setup.

Does Chinese money plant need drainage?

Chinese money plant prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Chinese money plant need?

Chinese money plant does best in medium (40–60%) humidity.

Is Chinese money plant pet-safe?

Chinese money plant is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Chinese money plant grow?

Chinese money plant typically reaches 20–45 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Chinese money plant?

Chinese money plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or offsets.

References

  1. 1

    Pilea peperomioides — Plants of the World Online (Kew Science)

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:855664-1
  2. 2

    How to grow pilea — RHS Growing Guide

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pilea/how-to-grow-pilea
  3. 3
  4. 4

    Pilea peperomioides — NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pilea-peperomioides/
  5. 5

    Pilea Peperomioides Care Guide — OurHousePlants.com

    https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/pilea-peperomioides
  6. 6

    How To Grow Pilea In A Terrarium — pilea.com

    https://www.pilea.com/post/how-to-grow-pilea-in-a-terrarium
  7. 7

    Pilea Peperomioides Propagation — Ohio Tropics

    https://www.ohiotropics.com/2021/04/12/pilea-peperomioides-propagation/
  8. 8

    ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Creeping Pilea (Pilea genus)

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/creeping-pilea