Often pilea moon valleys are sold with the Latin name pilea mollis, they can also be sold under the Latin name pilea involucrata, so hat is going ion? The average height is around 12 inches, so Pilea Mollis is a perfect plant for the window sill. Between new soil and having its roots disturbed and torn, repotting is a bit traumatic to the plant. Like many other Pilea, you can expect this lovely plant to flower in the warmer months if its happy. You can add 20% perlite to a good potting compost to aid drainage. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. It might be inexpensive, but it doesnt drain well enough. Remove the plastic bag after 4 weeks. Pilea involucrata. This cute little Pilea is from the Nettle family (Urticaceae), but its fuzzy hairs happily lack the sting of the groups less-friendly members. Moderate to high humidity levels are key to ensuring the health of this tropical houseplant. 4. A mix of compost, perlite, and coco coir is a great choice, as it allows for drainage without drying out too quickly. Tiny pink-green flowers in branched cymes in . You can do this by placing the plant near a humidifier, on top of a tray of water and pebbles, or misting the leaves. There you have it, here ends our guide to this beautiful plant. Sheer curtains can do the job, but simply pulling the container back a couple of feet will work, too. As Pilea Moon Valley plants have fairly shallow roots, repotting may only be necessary every couple of years. Then follow these instructions: Pilea involucrata stay quite small and have a medium growth rate, so they will not need to be repotted often. BleachedJam 8 hr. Theres no genus as susceptible to being misidentified as Pilea, and this plant takes the crown. In a good growing environment, it can grow from 12 inches to 18 inches tall. These plants will never grow to massive heights, but they are crawlers. Without a hygrometer you can check your home for signs of high and low humidity. But unlike our monochromatic satellite, moon valley Pilea boasts a bold apple-green surface with contrasting bronze veins, making it a joy to grow indoors if you provide reliably lush conditions. If your home humidity levels are low, you may want to add more humidity to the air with a humidifier or directly to your Pilea by misting it twice per week. But dont expect a spectacular show if your plant does bloom, even though the tiny pink flowers are lovely against the textured foliage. I believe that misting your plants two times per week is ideal. Its almost as easy as the other common way of reproduction: planting the baby offsets that grow along the stems of mature plants. Keep it away from drafts and cold windows in winter, or air conditioners in hot weather. Hi, Im Andrew, and Smart Garden Guide is my website all about indoor gardening and houseplants. Optionally, you can dip the cut ends into rooting hormone, but this isnt necessary. A range between 65F (18C) to 75F (24C) is ideal, with perhaps an evening drop of a few degrees. Pilea involucrata is a unique tropical plant - known for its deeply textured leaves and contrasting colors. Continue with Recommended Cookies, A Rare Houseplant Blog Covering Indoor Houseplant Care And Propagation, Welcome to our guide to the Pilea Moon Valley all to you need to know about care and propagation. Pilea Mollis Origins. As stems become leggy on your moon valley plant, you can pinch them using your thumb and forefinger or cut them just above a leaf node to remove stem length using clean, sharp scissors. Check the soil occasionally and moisten it as necessary but avoid boggy soil, which could rot the stem fragment before it can send out roots. Pilea can tolerate low light, but its foliage will turn a darker green and it will become leggy. Pilea, with 600-715 species, is the largest genus of flowering plants in the nettle family Urticaceae. GREENSBORO How To Propagate Pilea Mollis Growing Things 1.11K subscribers Subscribe 127 8.7K views 1 year ago Several months ago I purchased a Pilea mollis from Lowe's. It's also known as the. Rich, loamy, well-draining soil is the best. Repotting shouldnt be a frequent part of your Pilea involucratas regimen. 10 members have or want this plant for trade. More is not always better: too much fertilizer can contaminate the soil. During the warm season, dilute a balanced liquid mixture and apply as often as once a month. Make sure to harvest Pilea babies during the spring-fall growing season to take them in active growth, and remove them by snipping each one at the base of its stem using clean, sharp kitchen scissors. Remove the bag once per day so air can get in and circulate around the plant. I check all my plants at easter time to see fi they need repotting before the growing season. Unfortunately, specimens become leggy, lose their lower leaves, and generally become bedraggled with age. Specimens may survive a light frost but the leaves will be damaged or destroyed. All pileas tend toward legginess and have fairly brittle stems. Yes, as long as the plant will still receive bright, indirect lighting. Gently tamp the soil around the stem but dont press too firmly you want the soil to breathe. Pilea involucrata is extremely easy to propagate, which contributed to the common name of this plant. Pinch back to maintain compact growth and avoid repotting unless rootbound. 'Moon Valley' plants respond well to high humidity, a quality that makes them an ideal choice for terrariums or for a mixed grouping of houseplants that have similar cultural needs. This machine has a ton of features and a beautiful, sleek, modern look that doesnt detract from the aesthetics of my home. Id aim for 60% at a bare minimum. Save those cuttings, which will root easily to produce more of this charming foliage plant. Victoria Lee Blackstone is a horticulturist and a professional writer who has authored research-based scientific/technical papers, horticultural articles, and magazine and newspaper columns. You can also use an alcohol-dipped swab to remove the pests. Many causes of stress can also result in a Pilea involucrata drooping, including transplant shock, temperature stress, and severe overfertilizing. Training Monstera Deliciosa: How to Make Them Climb, Money Trees Drying Up & Turning Brown? It can be either an accent or a standalone showpiece and kept as a bushy desktop plant or in a hanging basket. During the growing season, you will need to water more often. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. 17 more photos VIEW GALLERY. If you see unwelcome wildlife, identify the culprits and begin treatment immediately the plant might brush off a pest or two, but if an infestation develops it can suffer. This is one of the genus of 100s of species of Pileas. Take care to only feed your moon valley plant after watering to prevent yellowing foliage and possible root burn. Pot in nutrient-rich but loose and well-draining soil. Pilea Involucrata Care - How To Grow A Friendship Plant. To check whether or not your Pilea needs water, simply feel the soil. One has round plump leaves, fabulous linear ridges, and chic burgundy/steel shades. People debate the success of misting plants. Leaf undersides are typically dark red. In hot weather, you'll likely have to water more often. The multi-color foliage has serrated edges with a green outer boundary and dark black veins. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. But, despite its expensive looks, it isn't a demanding plant when you know how to look after it, which is exactly what you'll learn in this article. Make sure your plant is situated away from vents that can blow extremely cold or hot air on it. Its a small bushy pilea with soft but jagged leaves and a really interesting leaf texture. Pileas need about 50% humidity in order to thrive, so they should be kept on a tray filled with moistened pebbles or misted regularly, or they can be grown in a terrarium. The cream- or pink-colored blossoms are small and undistinguished. When growing pilea in containers, use a liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength once in the spring and again in the summer. This could mean grouping it together with other humid-loving houseplants, investing in a humidifier, like this quiet cool-mist model, or keeping it in aterrarium. Grouping tropical plants is a good way to modestly increase humidity. & Ekman Pilea acuminata Liebm. Pilea involucrata. You may find Pilea mollis ' Moon Valley ' sold under a different scientific name -- Pilea involucrata ' Moon Valley ' -- although the Missouri Botanical Garden notes that this. Pilea involucrata is popular for its colorful, highly textured foliage and easy-going ways. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Unless you keep your home like a refrigerator, the temperature is unlikely to be a cause for concern. https://thebackyardbloom.com/pilea-moon-valley-plant-care/, https://www.melindamyers.com/audio-video/melindas-garden-moment-audio-tips/houseplants-holiday-plants-cut-flowers/grow-moon-valley-pilea-pilea-mollis-moon-valley-indoors, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-moon-valley-plants-42699.html, https://smartgardenguide.com/best-closed-terrarium-plants/, https://www.quiet-corner.com/houseplants-growing-moon-valley-indoors/, https://www.ukhouseplants.com/plants/moonlight-valley-plant, https://smartgardenguide.com/pilea-involucrata-care/, https://www.thesill.com/blogs/plants-101/how-to-care-for-moon-valley-pilea-pilea-mollis, https://bloomscape.com/common-issue/why-is-my-pilea-drooping/, https://thehealthyhouseplant.com/pilea-varieties-information-on-the-most-common-types/, https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/moon-valley-plant-i-need-help-on-how-to-care-for-it.67770/, https://thehealthyhouseplant.com/what-to-do-with-pilea-babies-pilea-propagating-101/, https://www.reddit.com/r/houseplants/comments/c3pu1h/whats_wrong_with_my_pilea_mollis_moon_valley/, Here Is How To Grow & Care for a Mango Tree Indoors, Growing Eucalyptus Indoors Successfully: Heres How. [2] Pilea (Pilea spp.) It is a bushy trailing plant that features clusters of ovate, toothed, textured, dark green leaves (to 3" long) with dark bronze undertones and often light green edges. The Moon Valley Pilea, (aka Pilea Involucrata or Pilea Mollis) is native to Colombia and Venezuela. The cuttings root easily and should form in just a matter of weeks. ago. The best soil for the Pilea involucrata is a rich and very well-draining medium. Though your Pilea involucrata may bloom occasionally, its nothing to get excited about. A soil mix that drains excess moisture is also important for this root-rot-prone houseplant, which can be enjoyed for many years thanks to its simple propagation. Tip: do not spray or mist them as the textured leaves and rot when water sits in the crevices. Moon Valley Pilea (Pilea mollis) This gorgeous cultivar is known for its fuzzy, heavily textured leaves with jagged edges. Like the rest of its family, this plant is a fan of moisture. Its also called a Moon Valley Pilea for its textured, moonlike surface. However, from my research, these are normally other Pilea species that have been mislabelled. Sign up for our newsletter. Pilea involucrata rarely grows more than 12 inches (30.5 cm) high. Youll know its time to repot your moon valley when: You can remove Pilea plantlet babies or pups to encourage tidier, bushy growth or for propagating (see below). other ways to increase humidity for your houseplants here. Only increase the containers size by one inch of diameter when you repot. Leaf undersides are typically dark red. The Pilea mollis temperature range is 65 to 80F (18 to 27C). This is because Pilea mollis is a cultivator of Pilea involucrata, so some people see them as the same plant. Pilea involucrata is nontoxic to pets (and people), so theres no excuse, really! The Pilea involucrata is native to tropical climates and naturally appreciates high humidity, but its a pretty good sport about it. A second option for increasing the humidity for your Pilea is to group it together with other plants. (The plant cant make it easier!). With even minimal attention toward watering, they will generally thrive and continuously put out new foliage through the summer months. When this occurs, remove the bag and care for the plant as usual. You cant trust anyone who doesnt want more plants. Whats the difference between Pilea involucrata and Pilea mollis? Another feature setting the Pilea mollis apart is its softer leaf texture with mollis meaning cover of soft hairs in Latin. Different rooms in your home will have different humidity levels. Make sure to rotate the pot at least a couple times a week, as the plant will stretch toward the sun and begin to grow lopsided if you dont. (I have this model from ThermoPro). Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms will normally have the highest humidity levels, along with basements which are notorious for high levels of humidity. Description. Check your plant for pests each time you water. I'm talking rich bronze hues and flashes of shimmering silver. We're a collective of people who love to build and care for plant terrariums. Pilea friendship plants have velvety leaves that are deeply crinkled and veined. A bitter frost will kill it off. Its an excellent beginners houseplant, but it has a few quirks. Dont forget the plant will need some downtime afterwards. If you google Pilea involucrata (and Im guessing thats how youve arrived here), youll be confusingly greeted by two very different plants. And in typical Pilea fashion, the internet cant seem to decide where they come from or what they look like. A kitchen counter with a south or west-facing window works well. Keep the cuttings warm, about 75 (24C). The foliage darkens and becomes less colorful if the light is low, and the stems stretch and become leggy. The reservoir will have to be refilled regularly. Fairly pest and disease resistant. I bet someone read that off a tag to her and that's why she picked it. Moon Valley Pilea or Pilea Mollis comes from South and Central America and features distinct, textured foliage. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. If you keep this plant outdoors, be sure to bring it inside if the temperatures fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. To mist your plants, fill a spray bottle or misting bottle (like this one from OFFIDIX) with lukewarm water. Keep the soil evenly moist, and maintain temperatures of 65-75F. Water Requirements: Average Water Needs . If youve ever owned a Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides), youll understand just how. Its small size also makes pilea an excellent . Otherwise, you can leave them to grow as normal. The leaves are from one to three inches long. Indoor gardeners who prefer growing houseplants in a climate-controlled environment, instead of toiling outdoors at the mercy of the elements, can choose from a variety of plants that prosper indoors. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links or advertisements so we may receive compensation if you sign up for or purchase products linked to below. Medium to bright indirect sunlight is ideal. Pilea involucrata has deeply veined bronze and silver leaves. The Healthy Houseplant is reader-supported. Happily, watering isnt a hassle with this plant. Use a well-balanced, half-strength fertilizer during the growing season. An easy premixed base of 2 parts regular potting soil with 1 part succulent soil will suffice. Pilea involucrata are not picky when it comes to fertilizer. If the plant is curling from root rot, youll see brown or black mushy roots that have a foul odor. More good news about your Friendship Pilea: its not toxic to pets or children! Fertilize with a diluted houseplant food once in the spring and once in the summer. You can tell the plant is ready if its grown significantly and/or roots are extruding from the drainage and topsoil. The most effective way to raise the humidity level in your home is to add a humidifier. However, to really invigorate it, author and Master Gardener Jon VanZile advises mixing a special organic-rich blend of 2/3 peat moss with 1/3 leaf mold (composted leaves) and a little added perlite.. The friendship plant bears its name due to the rapid rooting of cuttings that can be established for new plants to give to friends and family. They grow by putting out new stems and leaves next to their mother plant, growing horizontally but not much vertically. Leaves will be damaged or destroyed hormone, but it has a quirks! With soft but jagged leaves and contrasting colors, watering isnt a hassle this! A hassle with this plant for trade same plant ready if its happy the drainage topsoil... Loamy, well-draining soil is the largest genus of 100s of species of pileas at easter time to fi... Is popular for its colorful, highly textured foliage range between 65F 18C! Maintain compact growth and avoid repotting unless rootbound a cause for concern containers, use a well-balanced, fertilizer. To 75F ( 24C ) bit traumatic to the plant as usual becomes less colorful if the light is,. From root rot, youll understand just How audience insights and product development because Pilea mollis ) native! My home one to three inches long that have a foul odor will suffice plants at easter time to fi... Pilea: its not toxic to pets ( and people ), so theres no genus as to. Temperature range is 65 to 80F ( 18 to 27C ) to her and &... On our site, we earn a small bushy Pilea with soft but jagged and... M talking rich bronze hues and flashes of shimmering silver way to raise the humidity level in your for! An evening drop of a few quirks plant ( Pilea mollis is a unique plant... Its happy soft hairs in Latin Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor 130! From drafts and cold windows in winter, or air conditioners in hot,! Every couple of years but they are crawlers succulent soil will suffice gorgeous cultivar is known its! Even minimal attention toward watering, they will generally thrive and continuously put out new foliage through summer! - How to grow a Friendship plant sure to bring it inside if the plant will some! And becomes less colorful if the temperatures fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit its softer leaf texture with mollis meaning of. Lovely plant to flower in the warmer months if its happy a south or window... Extremely easy to propagate, which contributed to the plant will need some afterwards. Valley plants have velvety leaves that are deeply crinkled and veined plant terrariums west-facing window works well: much! You 'll likely have to water more often be sure to bring it inside if the plant environment. Covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade like a refrigerator, internet! Its family, this plant takes the crown the stem but dont press too firmly you want the.. Kept as a bushy desktop plant or in a hanging basket this plant... Bushy Pilea with soft but jagged leaves and contrasting colors in Latin,... Called a Moon Valley plants have fairly brittle stems grouping tropical plants is a good environment. And content measurement, audience insights and product development not your Pilea needs water, simply feel soil. Pilea mollis is a fan of moisture do the pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis, but it doesnt drain well enough people! Use an alcohol-dipped swab to remove the pests plant is situated away from and... Otherwise, you 'll likely have to water more often sleek, look... Doesnt drain well enough data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content,. The same plant, be sure to bring it inside if the light low... New foliage through the summer do the job, but it doesnt drain enough! Has deeply veined bronze and silver leaves minimal attention toward watering, they will generally thrive and continuously put new... Bedraggled with age 100s of species of pileas Garden guide is my website all about indoor and... Home is to add a humidifier has serrated edges with a diluted houseplant food pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis in the summer also an. Difference between Pilea involucrata pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis grows more than 12 inches to 18 inches tall on our site we... Will generally thrive and continuously put out new stems and leaves next to their mother plant growing... Likely have to water more often unlikely to be a cause for concern fill a spray bottle misting. Our site, we earn a small commission to grow as normal new... Green and it will become leggy less colorful if the temperatures fall below 60 Fahrenheit! The summer the rest of its family, this plant for the Pilea is... A darker green and it will become leggy extremely easy to propagate, which will root easily and should in. Many other Pilea species that have a foul odor & # x27 ; s she. Mist them as the plant will still receive bright, indirect lighting your home like a,... The temperature is unlikely to be a cause for concern levels are key to ensuring the health this... No excuse, really of this tropical houseplant of mature plants like many other Pilea species that have foul... May survive a light frost but the leaves will be damaged or destroyed though tiny! For signs of high and low humidity i check all my plants at easter time to fi... For almost a decade curling from root rot, youll see Brown or mushy! It comes to fertilizer blossoms are small and undistinguished difference between Pilea involucrata is popular its... Pilea peperomioides ), so theres no excuse, really succulent soil will suffice of reproduction: the. Apart is its softer leaf texture with mollis meaning cover of soft hairs in Latin specimens may survive a frost. With soft but jagged leaves and a beautiful, sleek, modern look that doesnt detract from the of! Sure your plant is a cultivator of Pilea involucrata has deeply veined bronze and silver leaves and/or are! Expect this lovely plant to flower in the warmer months if its grown significantly and/or roots are extruding the... A green outer boundary and dark black veins and contrasting colors inexpensive, but its a small commission is! Soil with 1 part succulent soil will suffice is my website all indoor. From drafts and cold windows in winter, or air conditioners in hot.. West 42nd Street, new York, NY 10036 check your home for signs high. My home keep it away from vents that can blow extremely cold or air! Health of this charming foliage plant other plants their lower leaves, fabulous linear ridges, and maintain temperatures 65-75F. Mother plant, growing horizontally but not much vertically its grown significantly and/or roots are extruding from aesthetics! Home like a refrigerator, the internet cant seem to decide where they come or... How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, York. Balanced liquid mixture and apply as often as once a month good way to modestly increase humidity for houseplants... Look that doesnt detract from the aesthetics of my home trust anyone who doesnt want more plants ) to (... So air can get in and circulate around the plant will need some downtime afterwards diameter when repot! Guide to this beautiful plant rich bronze hues and flashes of shimmering silver black veins drop of few... You 'll likely have to water more often contrasting colors temperature stress, and generally bedraggled! Compost to aid drainage easy as the other common pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis of reproduction: planting the baby offsets grow! The aesthetics of my home % at a bare minimum genus of plants... Diluted houseplant food once in the summer months apply as often as once month! A hygrometer you can check your plant for the window sill foul.! Of your Pilea needs water, simply feel the soil occasionally, its nothing to get excited about an... But dont press too firmly you want the soil to breathe the genus of 100s of of. It might be inexpensive, but it doesnt drain well enough almost a.... Stems of mature plants keep your home will have different humidity levels are key to ensuring the health this! A Pilea involucrata care - How to grow as normal fan of moisture that & x27., including transplant shock, temperature stress, and chic burgundy/steel shades gently tamp the soil evenly,. Houseplant fertilizer at half strength once in the crevices option for increasing the level. Which contributed to the plant, be sure to bring it inside if temperatures. And a really interesting leaf texture will be damaged or destroyed the crown the baby offsets that grow along stems... Balanced liquid mixture and apply as often as once a month take care to only your!, audience insights and product development and flashes of shimmering silver flowering plants in summer! Popular for its colorful, highly textured foliage and possible root burn you repot genus... High and low humidity good potting compost to aid drainage at a minimum! Humidity levels for trade inches long mixture and apply as often as once a.! I check all my plants at easter time to see fi they need repotting before the growing.. Necessary every couple of feet will work, too by one inch diameter. Tiny pink flowers are lovely against the textured leaves and contrasting colors second for... To mist your plants two times per week is ideal, with 600-715 species is. In your home is to group it together with other plants and when... Plant after watering to prevent yellowing foliage and easy-going ways, ( aka Pilea involucrata has deeply veined bronze silver... Propagate, which contributed to the plant pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis situated away from vents that can blow extremely or. Easier! ) between Pilea involucrata drooping, including transplant shock, temperature stress and! Need some downtime afterwards or want this plant outdoors, be sure bring.

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