Pilea Involucrata: The Friendship Plant
Overview
Pilea involucrata, commonly known as the friendship plant, is a charming and pet-friendly houseplant known for its unique appearance and ease of care. With its textured, deeply veined leaves and metallic bronze and silver colorations, it adds a touch of elegance to any room.
Features and Benefits
- Unique Foliage: Ovate, opposite pairs of leaves with intricate venation and metallic hues create a striking visual appeal.
- Creeping Growth Habit: Pilea involucrata spreads horizontally, making it ideal for terrariums and as a groundcover in larger pots.
- Pet-Friendly: This non-toxic plant poses no threat to furry companions.
Care Guide
Lighting:
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
- Provide bright, indirect light, such as from a kitchen counter with a south- or west-facing window.
Soil:
- Use a nutrient-rich, loamy soil that is well-draining.
- A mixture of compost, perlite, and coco coir provides optimal aeration and moisture retention.
Water:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
- Check the soil moisture by feeling the top inch or two; if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Humidity:
- Pilea involucrata thrives in moderate to high humidity levels (around 60% or higher).
- Increase humidity by using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray, or misting the leaves regularly.
Temperature:
- Maintain temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Protect the plant from temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit if kept outdoors.
Fertilizer:
- Fertilize once per month during the growing season with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Withhold fertilizer during the winter.
Propagation
Pilea involucrata is incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings:
- Choose a stem with multiple sets of leaves and at least two nodes.
- Cut the stem cleanly with sharp snips and remove the lower sets of leaves.
- Dip the cutting in rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and press gently to keep it upright.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag to increase humidity.
- Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
- Roots should form within a few weeks; remove the bag and care for the plant as usual.
Potting and Repotting
- Pilea involucrata grows slowly and typically doesn’t require frequent repotting.
- Repot when the plant becomes root bound or every two to three years.
- Choose a pot that is one to two inches larger than the current one and use loamy, well-draining soil.
Common Problems
Brown Leaf Edges:
- A sign of low humidity. Increase humidity levels by misting, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray.
Yellow, Drooping Leaves:
- Overwatering can lead to root rot. Reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Inspect the stem and roots for signs of rot and remove any affected parts.
Differences Between Pilea Involucrata and Pilea Mollis
Pilea involucrata and Pilea mollis are closely related but distinct species:
- Pilea Involucrata: Deeply veined leaves with bronze and silver colorations.
- Pilea Mollis: Highly textured, bright green leaves with bronze accents.
FAQs
Can I keep Pilea involucrata in the bathroom?
Yes, as long as it receives bright, indirect light. The humid environment of a bathroom can be beneficial.
Do Pilea involucrata like small pots?
Yes, they prefer small pots due to their slow growth rate and compact size.
What’s the best way to propagate Pilea involucrata?
Stem cuttings are the easiest and most successful method of propagation for this plant.