Green and dark green leaves of Pilea involucrata
Pink flowers Pilea involucrata
Pilea involucrata in the wild
Pilea involucrata in pot
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Pilea involucrata, the appeal of regular foliage
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Pilea involucrata is native to the forests of Central and South America. But this easy-to-propagate green plant has spread all over the world. Today, it is grown in living rooms throughout Europe and beyond. What makes it special? Regular, orderly decorative foliage.
How to recognize Pilea involucrata, the plant of friendship?
Pilea involucrata, also known as the friendship plant, is a bushy herbaceous plant. It grows to a height of 45 centimetres.
The branched stems of Pilea involucrata support opposite leaves. These grow crosswise, with each pair superimposed on the previous. The leaf blades are perfectly similar on the same plant. Their shape is identical, only their size differs. They are oblong with a round or tapered tip and a notched edge. But order and symmetry are not synonymous with monotony for the plant of friendship! The veins add relief and texture to the evergreen foliage. The bright green leaves are adorned with crimson or copper highlights that illuminate the succulent.
Unlike chinese coin plant and aluminum plant, the Friendship Plant blooms indoors. You may see pink and green flowers. The former are female flowers, the latter male.
Pilea involucrata is an undemanding, accommodating perennial. It is not toxic to animals, and the hairs on its foliage, unlike those on nettles, are not stinging. But it's not for these qualities that it's called the plant of friendship. Its nickname comes from the fact that it's easy to take cuttings from... And offer to everyone around you!
Our maintenance 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
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.
Spray
Spraying foliage with non-calcareous water (e.g. Mineral water or rainwater) helps to maintain humidity levels.
Repotting
Every 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.
Cutting
Cutting 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
| Family | Urticaceae - Urticaceae |
| Type | Pilea - Pilea |
| Species | Plant of friendship - Pilea involucrata |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposures | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting method |
In pots |
| Categories | |
| Tag |
Beginner |
| Origins |
Central America South America |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 11a |
| Leaf color |
|
| Flower colors |
|
Discover plants from the same family
Find out more
