Pilea Peperomioides Care: The Friendship Plant That Makes Babies

Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant, pancake plant, UFO plant) is one of the most charming houseplants you can grow.

It has perfectly round, coin-shaped leaves that stick out like little green umbrellas. And once it is happy, it produces baby plants (pups) around the base that you can share with friends. That is why it is called the friendship plant.

It is also beginner-friendly, fast-growing, and forgiving.

Quick Care Summary

Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: When the top inch of soil is dry
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Biggest mistake: Overwatering

Light

Pilea loves bright, indirect light.

Best light:

East or west-facing window
3 to 5 feet from a south-facing window
Bright light without direct sun hitting the leaves

Signs of too little light:

Leaves are small and spaced far apart
Plant is leggy
Leaves lose their vibrant green color

Signs of too much light:

Leaves turn pale or yellowish
Brown, crispy patches on leaves

Pro tip: Rotate your Pilea every week or two so all sides get even light. Otherwise, it will lean hard toward the window.

Watering

Pilea likes to dry out slightly between waterings.

How to water:

Check the soil - stick your finger an inch down
If dry, water thoroughly until it drains
Let it drain completely (no standing water)
Wait until the top inch dries out again

How often?

Spring and summer: Every 5 to 7 days
Fall and winter: Every 7 to 10 days

Signs of overwatering:

Leaves turning yellow
Soft, mushy stems
Soil stays wet for days

Signs of underwatering:

Leaves drooping and curling inward
Leaves feel papery
Soil is bone dry

Soil and Pot

Drainage is key.

Best soil:

Standard potting mix with extra perlite (2 parts soil, 1 part perlite)
Or cactus mix

Pot requirements:

Must have drainage holes
Terracotta is great (it wicks away moisture)

Temperature and Humidity

Pilea is adaptable.

Temperature: 60 to 75 F
Humidity: Normal home humidity is fine

Keep it away from cold drafts and heating vents.

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

Fertilize once a month in spring and summer
Use diluted liquid fertilizer
Skip fertilizing in fall and winter

Propagating Pilea (The Fun Part)

Once your Pilea is mature (usually after 1 year), it will start producing baby plants around the base.

How to propagate:

Wait until the pup has a few leaves and is at least 2 inches tall
Gently dig around the base to expose the pup
Cut the pup away from the mother plant with a clean knife
Plant the pup in its own small pot with moist soil
Water lightly and keep in bright, indirect light

You can also propagate by cutting the main stem and rooting it in water, but the pup method is easier.

Pro tip: Pilea pups root fast. In a few weeks, you will have a new plant ready to give away (hence the friendship plant nickname).

Common Problems

Curling leaves

Usually too much light or underwatering. Move to a slightly shadier spot and check soil moisture.

Yellow leaves

Overwatering or natural aging. If only the lowest leaves are yellowing, that is normal. If many leaves are yellowing, reduce watering.

Leggy growth

Not enough light. Move closer to a window.

Brown spots on leaves

Could be sunburn (too much direct light) or fungal spots (from water sitting on leaves). Move out of direct sun and avoid getting leaves wet when watering.

Keeping Your Pilea Looking Good

Dust the leaves monthly with a damp cloth (they collect dust easily)
Rotate the plant weekly so it grows evenly
Prune off any dead or damaged leaves
Repot every 1 to 2 years if it outgrows its pot

Why the Leaves Lean Down

If your Pilea’s leaves start drooping, it is usually thirst or too much light.

Healthy Pilea leaves should stick out horizontally or slightly upward. If they droop down, check soil moisture and light levels.

What To Do Next

Once your Pilea starts producing pups, propagate them and share with friends
If you want another easy, quirky plant, try Peperomia (similar care, different look)
If you love Pilea, look for other Pilea species (there are over 700)