Do you want to know what are the benefits of having a Chinese money plant? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
The Chinese money plant which is also known from its science name Pilea peperomioides, is indeed an awesome little houseplant with some pretty amazing benefits.
So, it’s not only famous for its visually stunning round coin-shaped leaves, but in Chinese culture it’s believed that it can bring good fortune and positive energy to its owner. Plus, it has an ability to purify air in which it filters out toxins and improves indoor air quality.
And you might be a bit surprised to know that Pilea plant leaves are even edible. They’re packed with some nutrients that can be beneficial for your health.
Therefore, whether you’re looking to spruce up your space or attract some positive vibes, the Chinese money plant is definitely beneficial and worth considering.
What are the benefits of having a Chinese money plant?
Here are 11 Incredible Benefits of the Chinese Money Plant:
1. Air Purification
Studies have shown that the Pilea is beneficial in removing formaldehyde which is the most common volatile organic compound (VOCs) and is normally found in indoor environments.
This organic compound is usually released from things like furniture, cleaning products, and building materials, which can cause health issues such as respiratory irritation and even cancer. Here’s a study by the National Cancer Institute explaining how formaldehyde can cause cancer.
The Pilea has broad and circular leaves that provide ample surface area for the plant to absorb and break down these harmful pollutants.
And this process is called phytoremediation. In this a plant transpires, it pulls in air through its leaves and roots which filters out the formaldehyde and other harmful toxins including benzene, and trichloroethylene.
2. Feng Shui and Good Luck
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy which mainly focuses on harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment, in our case its Chinese money plant.
In simple words, it’s all about arranging the placement of something in a way that brings positive energy, or “chi,” to increase health, wealth, etc.
In Feng Shui, the Chinese money plant is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and good luck for its owner. As it has round coin-shaped leaves that look similar to ancient Chinese coins. That’s the reason it’s associated with wealth and abundance or good luck and financial success.
The Pilea plant has the ability to thrive and multiply which symbolizes continuous growth and expansion.
If you place a Chinese money plant in your home or workspace, it can help you cultivate a positive, prosperous energy flow according to Feng Shui principles.
3. Low Maintenance
Firstly, the Pilea peperomioides is quite resilient and adaptable plant which can tolerate different light conditions such as bright, indirect sunlight or even lower-light areas. This makes it a great choice especially if you don’t have a ton of natural light in your homes or offices.
Another reason why its low maintenance is watering, they don’t like to sit in soggy soil, but they still need it. Normally once a week in summer, and once in two weeks in winter.
So if you’re busy and want to have a plant which is low maintenance you can consider having a Chinese money plant.
4. Easy Propagation and Sharing
The Chinese money plant is a really easy plant to propagate especially if you’re for beginners you can start with it!
Moreover, it’s a perfect choice if you want to share the wealth (pun intended) and give some of your plants to friends and family.
The Pilea peperomioides produces little offsets also known as “pups”. These pups can grow their own root systems, which make it super simple to detach and replant.
To propagate a Chinese money plant you just need to cut one of the pups away from the other plant, and make sure it has a bit of the stem attached.
After that, you can stick it in some soil and water it, then gradually it’ll take root and grow into a whole new Pilea plant.
5. Aesthetics look
The Pilea peperomioides has a beautiful and unique look that creates the difference between it and other plants.
Look at its unique coin-like shape leaves which give an awesome appearance as the plant grows.
The plant’s small size allows you to use it for home decor which can be perfect for brightening up shelves, tabletops, or even hanging planters.
So you can use it for home decor and it’ll look awesome and will also benefit you as I have mentioned above.
6. Oxygen Production
Just like other plants, the Chinese money plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. This is really beneficial for indoor environments because often carbon dioxide levels build up, it happens when you have space but not much airflow.
The Pilea takes that carbon dioxide and converts it into fresh oxygen and makes the air breathable. Therefore, this can have positive effects on your physical and mental wellbeing when you have a beautiful atmosphere.
Air purification and oxygenation properties are especially valuable if you spend a lot of time indoors. Not just at home, you can also keep it in the office as it’ll improve air quality and freshness of an office.
7. Stress Reduction
Firstly, caring for any types of plants has a calming, therapeutic effect. When you’re growing plants, watering it, pruning it, watching it grow will give you soothing and meditative vibes. It takes my mind off probably it’ll do the same with you so you can focus better.
However, Pilea has some unique characteristics that make it especially helpful for reducing your stress and anxiety level. Its lush, rounded leaves can give a mesmerizing look.
It was found in study that grazing upon a healthy thriving Pilea can lower blood pressure and heart rate, inducing a state of calm.
8. Humidity Booster
The Chinese money plant can actually increase humidity levels in your indoor space which isn’t only beneficial for the plant but also for you.
Increased humidity can help counteract the drying effects of indoor heating and air conditioning. Which is helpful for people who suffer from problems like dry sinuses, nosebleeds, or any other respiratory irritations.
Pilea houseplants thrive in more humid environments where the added moisture in the air helps to prevent leaf tips, so it’s also good for your plant itself.
Sometimes dry air can build up static electricity, which is obviously annoying and even damages electronics. So the extra humidity that your Pilea will provide can minimize this issue.
Moreover, dry indoor air exacerbates certain skin and hair conditions so if you increase the humidity levels with the help of a Pilea, it’ll help you through its soothing, moisturizing effect.
9. Natural Decor
The Chinese money plant can look awesome both as a standalone plant and when displayed in a group so it’s a perfect choice for natural decor.
As a standalone plant, the Pilea’s unique, coin-shaped leaves and cascading growth habit make it a real eye-catcher. You can also place it on a shelf, side table, or cabinet, it’ll look beautiful there.
However, it also looks beautiful in group plantings. When you display several Pileas together, it looks like repeating leaf patterns which is really wonderful to see.
I’ve seen many examples of Pilea collections on shelves, tiered plant stands, and even in hanging baskets.
10. Pet-Friendly
The Pilea peperomioides is generally considered to be pet-friendly which is good for those pet owners who want to incorporate this lovely, low-maintenance plant into their homes.
Chinese money plant’s leaves and stems are non-toxic, so if your pets curiously sniffs it, they shouldn’t experience any negative health effects so don’t worry about that.
However, you should still keep the plant out of your pet’s reach, just to be on the safe side.
11. Easy to Grow
The Chinese money plant is low-maintenance houseplants which is suitable for those who’re new to gardening.
They don’t really need direct sunlight, bright light is okay for them, plus moderate watering, and soil, is enough.
Basically they’re independent plants and can take care of themselves but will also need your help a little bit but not too much as compared to other plants.
That’s why planting a Chinese money plant is an excellent choice for beginners or busy plant parents who want an easy-to-grow plant.
Conclusion
Overall, Chinese money plants are beneficial with many health and environmental benefits as they can purify the air quality, remove toxins from air, reduce your stress or anxiety level.
Moreover, they’re Chinese money plant is considered to bring good luck to its owner, it has green leaves which are good to bring wealth, as per ancient Chinese beliefs.