The Chinese money plant is also known as the pancake plant and missionary plant. It has another scientific name, which we call Pilea peperomioides,
This plant originated from the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, which are now part of southwestern China.
In Chinese culture, this plant is symbolized as a sign of wealth and good luck. That’s the reason people call it the “money plant” moniker.
The Chinese money plant came to Europe and America in the 1940s when a Norwegian missionary brought some specimens back from his travels.
From there, it slowly gained popularity in Europe, America, and all around the world. Nowadays, it’s one of the best houseplants because of its charming, coin-shaped leaves and easy-going nature.
One of the big reasons why the Chinese money plant is famous is because it’s adaptable. It does well in bright, indirect light and is low maintenance; you don’t have to do a lot of care because it only needs modest watering.
Besides this, the Plea plant naturally sends out little plantlets from the main stem, which makes it really easy to propagate and share with friends or family members as a gift.
It’s also said that Chinese money plants bring good fortune to their owners. In Chinese culture, the round leaves represent coins, which symbolize wealth and prosperity.
Being an indoor plant, it won’t just take up a little space but will also bring good luck, as per Chinese belief.
So, If you’re looking for an indoor plant that is unique in appearance and also brings you good luck, then I’d highly recommend giving you a Chinese money plant. Because it’s easy to grow, it’s a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t take enough space. Also, it’s beginner-friendly, in case you’re new to gardening.
How to Choose the Right Chinese Money Plant
It’s really important to choose a healthy Chinese money plant; it doesn’t matter whether you’re buying it from a nursery or an online store. There are a few things that you may want to look for.
For example, if you want to make sure the leaves are vibrant and free of any discoloration or damage if you’re buying online from Amazon, then read Reviews.
The plant’s stems should be sturdy and upright, not drooping or limping. Besides this, you also want to give the plant a gentle tug to make sure it’s perfectly rooted in the soil.
Types of Chinese money plant
If we talk about its varieties or types, the Chinese money plant actually comes in many different forms. The first is Pilea peperomioides, which is the most common, especially in the United States and Europe.
You can easily identify it because it has classic round, coin-shaped leaves. But you can also find variegated varieties such as ‘Spotty’ or ‘Albo’ types, which have gorgeous speckled or striped foliage, but they’re not really famous.
Another type is the ‘Moon Valley’ cultivar, which has a really unique, crinkly leaf texture. So now it’s totally up to you which you want, although people commonly choose Pilea peperomioides.
How do you choose the right Pot size for a Chinese money plant?
If we talk about the right pot size for your pilea plant, I’d recommend you start with a container that is generally 1-2 inches wider than the plant’s root ball.
The reason is that Chinese money plants don’t like to be too snug, so giving them a little room to spread out is a good choice.
As for pot material, terra cotta or glazed ceramic pots work wonderfully because they allow for proper drainage. Besides this, it’s better if you Avoid plastic or metal containers because these types of pots can hold too much moisture, which isn’t good for plants’ health.
A Pro Tip: When planting a Chinese money plant indoors, make sure to position it in a spot that gets bright or at least has indirect light. Also, remember that you shouldn’t give it too much direct sunlight because it can scorch the leaves.
Chinese Money Plant Care Tips
Here are some key care tips to help your Chinese money plant thrive.
Optimal Light Requirements for Pilea Plant
Chinese money plants do best in bright but indirect light. Therefore, you can’t put them in direct sunlight as they can bear it only in the morning or evening when sunlight isn’t dangerous for them.
Too much direct sunlight will scorch your money plant leaves; therefore, planting your Indoor money plants near a sunny window will be a good choice.
Chinese money plant water requirements
You can provide water in moderation as these plants like their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. I’d generally recommend watering once a week in summer and once every two weeks during winter.
Besides this, you can check the soil first to make sure the top inch or two is dry. If it’s dry, then give it water; otherwise, wait a little more.
Overwatering is one of the most common issues with Chinese money plants, and you can avoid it.
Soil Preferences and Potting
You can look for a well-draining potting mix, which is generally ideal for Chinese money plants.
Besides this, you can also use standard houseplant soil or create your own blend with some simple ingredients such as perlite or sand, which can improve drainage.
As I’ve said before, you can get a pot that is 1-2 inches wider than your plant’s root ball, and don’t forget to drain the holes.
Fertilizing and Feeding
If you want to keep your Chinese money plant happy and thriving, then consider feeding them a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months, especially during the growing season. This will provide important nutrients to your plants without overwhelming them.
Pruning and Propagation
If we talk about Chinese money plant pruning, they are really easy to grow and low maintenance; you can simply trim off yellow, dead, or damaged leaves whenever it is needed.
Another good thing about this plant is that it propagates like crazy; these little plantlets can grow off the main stem root very easily in water or soil.
Troubleshooting Common Chinese Money Plant Problems
There are a few common Chinese money plant problems that you need to learn how to tackle with these problems.
Leaf Discoloration
That’s the most common issue. Sometimes, you’ll notice your plant’s leaves are getting yellowish, brownish, or even reddish.
The reason behind that is you’re not providing water in the right amount to your plants; either you’re giving too much or giving too little. That’s why leaves are changing their colors and giving signs.
So make sure the soil dries out slightly before watering, and adjust your schedule if needed, as it depends on your plant’s needs.
Drooping or Curling Leaves
The second most common issue you’ll see with your Pilea peperomioides is that it’s drooping or curling its leaves. But why?
It’s because your plants give you a sign that you aren’t providing water correctly. In most cases, Chinese money plants drop their leaves because of underwatering and start curling their leaves because of overwatering.
Therefore, you must pay attention to the soil moisture and tweak your watering routine accordingly based on season.
Pest Infestations
Although these money plants are normally pest-resistant, sometimes they become a victim to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, etc.
So, If you see any suspicious bugs or webbing on your lucky plant, then act quickly! You can simply wipe down those leaves with a damp cloth. Besides this, you can also use an insecticidal soap to get rid of these offenders.
Disease Management
One of the diseases is root rot, which you’ll find in your coin plant. It happens due to overwatering, but you can easily catch it; for example, your plant’s soil would stay soggy, or the leaves would turn yellow and wilting.
If you see any of these problems with houseplants, then carefully remove the plant from the pot, inspect its roots, and trim off those that are brown and mushy.
After that, you can report it in fresh, well-draining soil and give it a fresh start.
Btw, a good thing is that with some proactive care and vigilance, we can usually nip these common Chinese money plant problems even before they become serious.
How to decorate with the Chinese Money Plant
One of the best places to showcase a Chinese money plant is on a shelving unit or plant stand. It’ll look awesome if displayed at eye level.
Another lovely spot for your plant is a side table or console. Moreover, you can place it near a sunny window, as indoor plants also need some indirect sunlight.
Your Pilea plant’s vibrant green leaves will look more shiny in indirect sunlight. Plus, you can also buy creative containers.However, If
you’ve got a bit more space, then your Chinese money plant can become a stunning centerpiece on a coffee table or dining table.
But to get a more beautiful view, make sure to choose a pot that matches your existing home decor.
Don’t worry; you can also get creative with your plant by pairing it with other houseplants.
One of my favorite spots is the bathroom. In the bathroom, the environment is usually humid, where Chinese money plants can thrive. But don’t forget to keep an eye on the soil moisture because humidity can dry out more quickly.
Ultimately, my favorite thing about the Chinese money plant is that they’re so versatile and adaptable.
Conclusion
In the end, the Chinese money plant, also known as the pancake plant, is a great Indoor plant with an aesthetic. It’s low-maintenance and easy to grow, and it can thrive in moderate light and watering just once or a week in summer and once in two weeks in winter.
Moreover, it can also produce a few more baby plants that are cinch to propagate, which you can share with your friends and family members. Besides this, it has air-purifying abilities, so it actually helps improve the air quality in your home.
How often do you water the Chinese money plant?
You can provide water to your Chinese money plant once a week during the summer season and once every two weeks during winter. However, make sure the soil is dried properly and not moisturizing because overwatering can cause some problems.
What is the Chinese money plant spiritual meaning?
These plants have many scriptural meanings. For example, In Feng Shui, it’s considered a symbol of wealth and abundance. Besides this, it’s also considered a symbol of Friendship and affection. It’s also a lucky plant for many people.
Is pilea peperomioides good luck?
Yes! In Chinese culture, it’s considered good luck due to its coin-shaped leaf, which is a symbol of wealth.
Is Piela a good indoor plant?
Of course! Piela is a good indoor plant that you can place near windows, as they don’t require direct sunlight. Plus, they’re easy to maintain and don’t require too much care; you only have to give water once a week in summer, and in winter, only one time in two weeks.
Does Pilea purify air?
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Pilea was seen effectively removing formaldehyde from indoor air.
It was conducted by researchers at the Guangdong Institute of Eco-Environmental and Soil Sciences in China. Researchers tried to prove the plant’s ability to absorb and break down formaldehyde, which is a common indoor air pollutant.
Does Piela need sun?
No! They don’t need direct sunlight because they’re indoor plants. However, they need indirect sunlight or bright light, so you can put them near a window.