What Is A Pilea Peperomia: Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomia is a common houseplant that is easy to care for. It has distinctive round leaves, often variegated with dark green or brown spots. It’s a member of the Urticaceae family, which includes nettles.

Moreover, it was named by German botanist Friedrich Diels as “Pilea Peperomioides.” This plant is native to China. It is a fast-growing plant that needs to be repotted every few years.

Growing Pilea Peperomia

Pilea peperomia is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, so watch for these pests if you have this plant in your home.

Common names for include the following:

  • Chinese money plant
  • Money plant peperomia
  • Pancake plant
  • UFO plant
  • Lefse plant

History Of Pilea Peperomia

Pilea Peperomioides, also known as the Chinese money plant or pancake plant, is a flowering plant in Urticaceae, native to Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in southern China.


The plant was brought to Europe by Norwegian missionary Agnar Espegren in the 1940s.

He passed the cuttings along an inner circle of botanists. Then, in the 60’s and 70s, it reached popularity in London.

Since then, Pilea Peperomioides has grown worldwide and is now a common sight in homes and offices.

Pilea Peperomia In the Wild

Peperomia money plant is native to China and grows in shady, humid conditions.

However, it has been introduced to other countries and is now common in homes and offices as a houseplant.

These tough little plants can grow in various conditions, from low light to bright sunlight.

This plant is native to China, where it can be found growing in forests and mountains at elevations of up to 2,000 meters.

Care Of Chinese Money Plant

Money plant peperomia is easy to care for and is an excellent plant for beginners. It is hardy and versatile, which lends to its popularity. It can be grown in a pot or planted in the ground.

The Chinese money plant is a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves. This makes it tolerant of periods of neglect.

If you are growing it in a pot, make sure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.

However, like all succulents, it will suffer if overwatered. Therefore, water money plants sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

In addition, Pilea Peperomia prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.

Money plants like to be kept moist but not wet, so water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half during the growing season.

Reduce fertilization to every other month during the winter.

Peperomia Chinese money plant can be propagated by dividing or rooting stem cuttings in water or mixing potting.

Feng Shui And Money Plants

Pilea peperomia is said to bring good luck and fortune to those who have it in their home.

This plant is associated with the element of water and is believed to promote wealth and prosperity.

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