Pilea cadierei

Common Names

Aluminium Plant, Aluminum Plant, Watermelon Pilea

Summary

Aluminum Plant is an evergreen perennial in the Urticaceae family native to China and Vietnam, with dark green oval leaves bearing four rows of raised silver patches and a slightly quilted texture. It forms a compact, clumping habit and is commonly grown indoors; flowers are insignificant indoors.

Bright indirect light, avoiding direct sun; light, well-draining soil with organic matter and a pH around 6.0–7.0; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering when the top inch dries; temperatures 60–75°F; humidity 50–75%. Fertilize with half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season; prune to maintain a bushy shape; propagate easily from stem cuttings or division; repot every 1–2 years. Common pests include mealybugs and spider mites; diseases such as leaf spots and root rot; commonly grown as an indoor plant and suitable for terrariums or humid bathrooms; non-toxic to humans and pets.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

6-9 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 11-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix (loamy or peat-based) with roughly equal parts peat moss (or coco coir), perlite (or coarse sand), and all-purpose potting soil; pH about 6.0–7.0.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil that stays moderately moist, not soggy.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Dark green leaves with silver markings.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; leaves evergreen.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer, Fall and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators