Chinese Money Plant Care: A Complete Guide

The Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides), also known as the UFO plant or the pancake plant, is prized for its distinctive circular leaves and is said to symbolize wealth. Because of its laid-back personality, it is a favorite among indoor gardeners of all skill levels. A thorough guide to Chinese money plant maintenance, including light requirements and propagation, may be found below.

This perennial is a pet-safe, low-maintenance, air-purifying choice. Chinese money plants are known as “friendship plants” because they are easy to grow and share with friends. It can double in size in a year with the right lighting.

The Chinese money plant is a Feng-Shui plant that is considered to bring good luck. Moreover, these low-maintenance indoor plants are very easy to grow and care for.

Basic Chinese Money Plant Care

Despite being hard to get, this common houseplant is surprisingly easy to maintain once you have one.

• The Chinese money plant should be placed in an area that receives plenty of indirect, bright light.
• Make sure the soil is moist but drains properly.
• After the soil has dried out, give it a good watering.
• Keep the humidity and temperature at room temperature.
• To keep the plant from becoming unbalanced, rotate it every so often.
• Apply a mild fertilizer in the spring and summer.

Light

Providing the proper light is the most crucial aspect of better Chinese money plant care. Bright indirect sunlight is ideal for these plants’ growth. Put your plant next to a window that faces east or west so it may get plenty of light without being exposed to strong, direct sunlight, which can burn the fragile leaves and make them fade or turn yellow.

The Chinese money plant will grow more slowly, have smaller leaves, and seem lanky if it is not receiving enough light. Since the leaves naturally grow toward the light source, rotate the plant every few days or at least twice or three times every week to keep it in a balanced form.

Water

Watering is an essential task for better Chinese money plant care. The soil of Chinese money plants prefers to dry out in between waterings. This often means watering once a week during the warmer months, but every two weeks is frequently adequate throughout the winter. Always use your finger to feel the top inch of soil; if it seems dry, water.

Make sure the pot has enough drainage and never let the plant linger in moist soil because overwatering is a common plant problem that can cause root rot. An excessive amount of water is frequently indicated if the leaves begin to turn yellow or fall off. Conversely, if the leaves curl or droop, the plant might be dehydrated or exposed to too much dry air.

Soil

Healthy development requires the proper soil mixture. Chinese money plants like a rich, well-draining potting mix and are technically succulents. To help keep water from building up and causing root issues, look for soil that has pumice, perlite, or peat moss. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0, which indicates a slight acidity.

Select a container with drainage holes and add fresh soil to supply fresh nutrients for repotting, which should be done every two years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Since the plant’s natural growth season falls in the early spring, this is the ideal time to repot.

Temperature and Humidity

Humidity and temperature are also crucial. The ideal temperature range for Chinese money plants is between 13°C and 30°C (55°F and 86°F). Avoid placing them near drafty windows, air conditioners, or heaters because they cannot withstand cold drafts or temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F).

Although the humidity in the ordinary home is usually sufficient, keep the plant away from extremely dry air. If necessary, you may use a humidifier or set the pot on a tray with water and pebbles to improve the humidity.

Fertilizing 

Your Chinese money plant will grow lush and vigorous if you fertilize it. A balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer should be applied to the plant once or twice a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Since the plant’s growth naturally slows down in the fall and winter, fertilization should be avoided during these seasons.

Always follow the directions on the product and stay on the side of caution when fertilizing because overfertilizing can lead to salt accumulation in the soil.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is good for better Chinese money plant care and to keep your plant clean. Dust can accumulate on the leaves, blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis, so wipe them gently with a damp cloth every few weeks. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves to encourage healthy new growth.

Pruning can also help maintain a compact, bushy appearance, especially if the plant becomes leggy.

Propagating Chinese Money Plants

The Chinese money plant produces offspring easily, making propagation a breeze. It is safe to divide the offshoots from the mother plant after they are a few inches tall. Both soil and water can be used to proliferate them, although high humidity and intense light will yield the best results. Here’s how you can propagate the Chinese money plant –

• Find an offshoot and remove some soil from the base of it.
• Use clean pruners to cut off the offshoot from the parent plant.
• Place the clipping right away in a tiny container with some moist soil.
• Until the plant develops roots, keep the soil damp but not soggy.
• Resuming regular maintenance is necessary once the plant has established itself.

Common Problems With The Chinese Money Plants

Although Chinese money plants are usually strong, there are a few typical issues that can occur –

• The most common problem is overwatering, which causes root rot and fading foliage.
• Drooping or curling leaves can be caused by underwatering or very dry air.
• Your plant probably needs more light if it grows lanky or its leaves start to wither.
• Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are among the common houseplant pests that can occasionally infest your plant. Check it frequently and treat infestations as soon as possible using neem oil or insecticidal soap for better Chinese money plant care.

Conclusion

A gratifying and low-maintenance houseplant, the Chinese money plant is ideal for bringing some luck and greenery into your home. You can make sure your plant stays healthy and vibrant by using well-draining soil, letting the soil dry between waterings, providing bright, indirect light, and maintaining the plant in a warm, draft-free location. Regular care and maintenance are necessary for Chinese money plant care. Download the Plantora app to learn more about these plants and how you can grow and care for them.