Pilea depressa, a Pilea in miniature
Pilea depressa
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Genus
- Pilea
- Species
- Pilea depressa
Would you like to have chinese money plant in your home, but don't have enough space? Get 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 bigger sister.
How can you recognize Pilea depressa?
Pilea depressa is a perennial plant with a spreading habit. It grows to only fifteen centimeters tall, but its trailing vines can reach several dozen centimeters in length. Indoors, it's often grown in a terrarium or as a hanging plant.
The stems are lined with round, dark green leaves. Smooth and thick, they are only one centimeter wide and arranged in opposite pairs. Their edges are crenate, like those of the Plant of Friendship. This characteristic also helps distinguish Pilea depressa from the Helxine (Soleirolia soleirolii).
In the wild, flowering occurs in late spring. Star-shaped white flowers bloom in clusters. However, they are so small that they are barely noticeable amid the evergreen foliage.
Pilea depressa is not toxic to animals or humans. Although this herbaceous plant belongs to the same family as stinging nettles, it does not cause a stinging sensation. The species is even said to have air-purifying properties.
Our care 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
The 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.
Misting
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 year in the 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.
The Pilea depressa These are not plants that are pruned. If your plant grows larger than your living room, you can pinch off the tip of the stem. The plant will stop growing upward and produce new leaves at its base.
Remember that the sap and leaves can cause irritation! Be sure to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Remember that the sap and leaves can cause irritation! Be sure to 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.
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
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorSucculentHanging plants
- Tag
- Small pot
- Origin
- Central America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower color
- White
Discover plants from the same family
Chinese coin plant
Pilea peperomioides
Aluminum plant
Pilea cadierei
Friendship plant
Pilea involucrata
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
