Pilea involucrata, the appeal of regular foliage
Pilea involucrata
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Genus
- Pilea
- Species
- Plant of friendship Pilea involucrata
Other name:Pilea ovalis
Pilea involucrata is native to the forests of Central and South America. But this easy-to-propagate houseplant has spread throughout the world. Today, it is grown in living rooms across Europe and beyond. What makes it special? Its decorative, regular, and orderly foliage.
How can you recognize Pilea involucrata, the friendship plant?
Pilea involucrata, also known as the friendship plant, is a bushy herbaceous plant. It grows to a height of up to 45 centimeters.
The branched stems of Pilea involucrata bear opposite leaves. These grow in a crisscross pattern, with each pair overlapping the one below it. The leaf blades are perfectly similar on a single plant. Their shape is identical; only their size differs. They are oblong with a rounded or tapered tip and a serrated edge. But order and symmetry do not mean monotony for the friendship plant! The veins add depth and texture to the evergreen foliage. The bright green leaves are adorned with purple or coppery highlights that make this succulent shine.
Unlike chinese money plant and Pilea cadierei, the friendship plant blooms indoors. You may spot pink and green flowers. The pink ones are the female flowers, and the green ones are the male flowers.
Pilea involucrata is an undemanding and adaptable perennial. It is not toxic to animals, and the hairs on its leaves—unlike those on stinging nettles—do not cause irritation. But it's not for these qualities that it's called the “friendship plant.” This nickname comes from how easily it can be propagated from cuttings… and thus given away to everyone you know!
Our care tips
Easy to care for, the Plant of Friendship needs light and regular watering.
It appreciates the sun so much that it turns towards it. To keep your plant's stem upright, rotate your pot a quarter turn every month.
From May onwards, take your Pilea involucrata out onto your balcony or windowsill. Just be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight or temperatures below 12 degrees.
Watering
The plants of friendship require regular watering. But it must be moderate, otherwise the roots will rot. The substrate must remain moist but never soggy.
Water your plant with soft, non-calcareous water at room temperature. Once you've finished, drain off any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter.
Water your plant with soft, non-calcareous water at room temperature. Once you've finished, drain off any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter.
Misting
Spraying foliage with non-calcareous water (e.g. Mineral water or rainwater) helps to maintain humidity levels.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Pilea involucrata to give it more space.
In a pierced pot, pour clay balls or small pebbles to optimize drainage. Then pour in a layer of ordinary potting soil enriched with a little perlite or river sand. Plant your Friendship plant, fill in with substrate and tamp.
Water to eliminate air bubbles and improve contact between roots and soil.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Pilea involucrata, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Feed your Friendship plant with green plant fertilizer.
Pinch
Pinch your Pilea involucrata during its growing season.
There may be several reasons why you want to deadhead your Pilea involucrata: to contain its growth, to multiply the plant or to stimulate its development.
Use your fingers or sharp, disinfected secateurs to cut between two knots.
Wear gloves when handling your plant.
Wear gloves when handling your plant.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
After a few years, young shoots appear at the base. With a sharp knife, dig up one of these "babies", also removing its roots.
In a pierced pot, pour gravel or clay balls for drainage. Add a rich substrate, such as special cuttings soil or horticultural compost. Dig a hole using a pen or stake. Plant your young Pilea involucrata and tamp lightly.
Water to encourage rooting.
Water to encourage rooting.
Disease / Threat
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorHerbaceousSucculent
- Tag
- Beginner
- Origins
- Central AmericaSouth America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenPurple
- Flower colors
- RosePale green
Discover plants from the same family
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
