Pilea

Pilea peperomioides

Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides is a perennial subshrub from the shaded, rocky slopes of south-central China, with rounded fleshy leaves on upright stems. It wants bright indirect light and a mix that approaches dryness between waterings — water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, and let excess drain freely to avoid rot. The somewhat succulent foliage stores moisture, so err toward under-watering rather than keeping the roots wet.

Pilea cadierei

Aluminium Plant

Pilea cadierei is a small subshrub from the humid subtropical forests of south-central China and Vietnam, where it grows as understory cover in dappled light. Give it bright indirect light and let the top inch of mix dry before watering, as its soft stems and roots rot if kept soggy. It tolerates ordinary indoor humidity but appreciates a slightly more humid spot and steady warmth.

Pilea microphylla

Artillery Plant

Pilea microphylla is a small, fast-growing herb of warm tropical and subtropical regions, often found colonizing moist, shaded ground and crevices. It wants bright indirect light and a mix that stays lightly moist but never soggy; water when the top inch of mix has dried. As a short-lived annual or biennial, it grows and self-seeds quickly, so expect modest size and a limited lifespan rather than a long-term specimen.

Pilea nummulariifolia

Creeping Charlie

A creeping subshrub from the humid tropical understory of Central and South America and the Caribbean, with small round leaves on trailing stems. It wants bright indirect light, warmth, and steady humidity, but its fine roots rot if left soggy. Water when the top inch of mix is dry, letting the surface approach dryness between drinks without the soil ever fully crisping out.