Pilea depressa, a Pilea in miniature

Would you like to welcome chinese coin plant into your home, but you're short of space? Adopt a Pilea depressa! This small succulent native to the Caribbean also belongs to the Urticaceae family. And it's just as easy to care for as its big sister.

How to recognize Pilea depressa?

Pilea depressa is a perennial with a spreading habit. It grows to a height of just 15 cm, but its drooping vines can reach several dozen centimetres. Indoors, it is often grown in terrariums or hanging baskets.

The stems are covered with round, dark-green leaves. Smooth and thick, they are only a centimetre wide and arranged in opposite pairs. Their edges are crenellated, like that of the limbs of the Plant of Friendship. This characteristic also differentiates Pilea depressa from helxine (Soleirolia soleirolii).

In the wild, Pilea depressa flowers in late spring. Starry white flowers appear in clusters. But they're so small they're barely noticeable, amidst the evergreen foliage.

Pilea depressa is not toxic to animals or humans. Although this herb belongs to the same family as nettles, it is not stinging. The species is even said to have depolluting virtues.

Our maintenance tips

Easy to care for, pilea depressa 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 depressa out onto your balcony or windowsill. Just be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight or temperatures below 12 degrees.

Watering

Pilea depressa fear excess water. To prevent root rot, allow the substrate to dry between waterings and remove any stagnant water from the saucer.

Water the soil preferably with rainwater. The soil should be moist but not soggy.

Spray

In its natural environment, pilea depressa benefits from a high level of humidity. To reproduce its environment, mist the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Regular spraying also combats pest attacks.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Pilea depressa to give it more space.

Soak the root ball of your Pilea depressa in water at room temperature. Meanwhile, mix ordinary potting soil with river sand or perlite.

In a perforated pot, pour a bed of clay balls or gravel to promote drainage, followed by a layer of soil. Plant your Pilea depressa in the center and top up with the rest of the substrate. Press down and water for the first time to ensure good root contact with the soil.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Pilea depressa, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants to stimulate growth.

Pinch

Pinch your Pilea depressa during its growing season.

Pilea depressa are not plants to be pruned. If yours grows beyond the size of your living room, you can pinch off the end of the stem. The plant will stop growing vertically and produce new leaves at the base.

Don't forget that sap and leaves can cause irritation! Remember to wear gloves when handling your plant.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Using your hands or a clean, sharp tool, separate one of the shoots that has formed at the base of the plant. Choose a young shoot with roots.

Get a pot with holes to suit the size of your seedlings. Line the bottom with clay balls or gravel to improve drainage.

Pour in a rich, light substrate, such as potting soil, and plant your cuttings. To help you, you can use a pencil to form a pilot hole.

Water to encourage rooting and eliminate air bubbles.

Disease / Threat

Red spiders

Information

Family	Urticaceae - Urticaceae
Type	Pilea - Pilea
Species	Pilea depressa - Pilea depressa
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Succulent Hanging plants
Tag	Small pot
Origin	Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower color