How to Grow and Care for Chinese Money Plants Pilea peperomioides
Chinese money plants are immediately recognizable by their fascinating round, flat foliage which attaches to the petioles in the middle of the leaves. Many gardeners frequently compare them to UFOs, pancakes, and coins.
They are sometimes likened to species like nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.) and Peperomia, which have a similar leaf shape and attachment, though there are many notable differences between them.
We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Their easygoing nature and unique shape would be enough to recommend Chinese money plants, but these green wonders also have a charming origin story that makes me love them even more.
They’re known for bringing people together and fostering friendships.
We’ll talk about all that and more in this guide. Here’s the rundown:
Like I said, pancake plants have a fascinating history that I find positively sweet. Let’s talk about that first.
What Are Chinese Money Plants?Pilea peperomioides is part of the nettle family, Urticaceae, and closely related to stinging nettle Urtica dioica. But don’t worry, it’s hairless and isn’t going to give you the same itchy, burning rash that other nettles can.
It’s also commonly referred to as lefse plant, UFO plant, mirror grass, missionary plant, and friendship plant. Note that there is another Pilea species (P. involucrata) known as friendship plant, and you can read about it in our guide.
Chinese money plant is indigenous to the Sichuan province and the west of Yunnan province of China.
In the wild, P. peperomioides grows above 4,500 feet in wet, rocky, forested areas. It stands out because the species has
Read more on gardenerspath.com