Chinese Money Plant: Overview

The Chinese Money Plant, scientifically known as Pilea peperomioides, is a charming houseplant known for its coin-shaped leaves. This plant belongs to the Urticaceae family and originates from southwestern China. It thrives in moderate sunlight and is relatively easy to care for. It’s a popular choice for indoor decor, symbolizing good fortune and financial prosperity. Also, it’s worth noting that Chinese Money plants are safe for pets.

Chinese Money Plant: Benefits

• Chinese Money plants are known for their strong air-purifying properties, improving indoor air quality.
• In Feng Shui, they symbolize good luck and prosperity, making them popular choices for homes and home offices.
• Their unique coin-shaped leaves add aesthetic value to any indoor space, enhancing visual appeal. 
• Chinese Money plants are ideal for bedrooms, as they help reduce stress levels and promote a calming environment. 

Pilea Peperomioides: Alternative Names

• UFO Plant
• Missionary Plant
• Friendship Plant
• Coin Plant
• Pancake Plant 

Pilea Peperomioides Care Guide

Chinese Money plants are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner and experienced plant owners. Here’s how to ensure your plant thrives:

Watering and Light

Chinese Money plants prefer moist soil but are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and water thoroughly when needed. Place your Chinese Money plant in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. 

Temperature and Humidity

These plants prefer temperatures between  65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Protect them from sudden drafts and temperature changes. They can tolerate average indoor humidity levels. However, they will appreciate occasional misting or a pebble tray to increase humidity. 

Soil, Repotting, and Feeding

Repot your Chinese Money plant every 1-2 years or when the roots outgrow the pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Feed your Friendship plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength during the growing season (spring and summer). 

Propagation, Pruning, and Cleaning

You can easily propagate your Chinese plant by dividing offsets or from leaf cuttings. Plant the cuttings in moist soil and keep them warm and humid until roots develop. Trim any yellow or brown leaves as they appear to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth regularly to remove dust and keep them looking vibrant. 

Common Issues

Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause wilting and browning of the leaves. Ensure proper drainage and adjust watering accordingly. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can occasionally be a problem. Be sure to treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap. 

Chinese Money Plant: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

When considering where to place your Chinese Money plant, consider its preferences for bright, indirect light. Also, its compact size makes it versatile for various spaces. Additionally, explore companion and alternative plants that complement your Money plant’s care needs and aesthetic appeal. 

Best Locations & Uses

• Enhancing air quality in bedrooms while bringing a touch of greenery to your sleeping space

• A symbol of good fortune, making it an auspicious gift for housewarming, weddings, or other special occasions. 
• Safe for homes with pets, providing a pet-friendly option for plant enthusiasts, allowing you to enjoy its beauty worry-free
• Thriving in warmer climates, it can flourish as a porch plant, adding charm to outdoor living spaces.
• It is ideal for beginners in gardening, as its low-maintenance requirements make it a perfect starter plant for those new to plant care

Companion Plants

Enhance your indoor greenery with these delightful companion plants that complement the Chinese Money plant:

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): With its graceful arching leaves, the Spider Plant contrasts beautifully with the round foliage of the Chinese Money plant, creating a dynamic visual appeal.
• Peperomia Obtusifolia Lemon Lime: The compact and charming Peperomia Obtusifolia ‘Lemon Lime’ adds a touch of variety to your plant collection with its glossy, oval-shaped leaves that perfectly complement the Chinese Money plant's unique foliage.
• Pothos Pearl Jade (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’): Known for its lush trailing vines, the Pothos Pearl Jade adds a cascading element to your plant display, creating a stunning contrast with the upright growth of the Chinese Money plant.

Alternative Plants

Looking for alternatives to the Chinese Money tree plant? Here are three options available on Lively Root:

• Black Leaf Dragon Tree Collection (Dracaena): This Black Leaf Dragon Tree Collection includes four types of dragon plants in one handy pot - two Magenta, one Lemon Lime, and one Sanderiana. Their sleek stalks and vibrant green leaves bring a touch of zen to any space.
• Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica): Commonly known as the Pachira plant or braided money tree, it’s a popular Feng Shui plant that brings good luck and fortune into your home. Renowned for its resilience and durability, it requires bright, indirect light and is an excellent air purifier. 
• Peacock Plant (Calathea roseopicta): With its variegated green and yellow leaves on top and watermelon colors of dark red on the bottom, the Peacock Plant stands out in any space. They are also known as ‘prayer plants’ because they raise and lower their leaves during the day.

Bring Luck Into Your Home or Office With a Chinese Money Plant

Ready to invite prosperity and good fortune into your life? Don’t miss out on bringing home a charming Chinese Money plant from Lively Root today!