Pilea peperomioides

Common Names

Chinese Money Plant, Pancake Plant, UFO Plant, Missionary Plant, Coin Plant, Friendship Plant, Lefse Plant, Pass-Along Plant

Summary

Native to southern China, the plant is an erect evergreen perennial with round coin-shaped glossy leaves on slender petioles, forming a bushy clump about 0.3–0.5 m tall and up to 0.2–0.5 m wide; plantlets form at the base, enabling easy propagation.

It grows best in bright indirect light, tolerating lower light, and should be rotated for even growth; requires well-draining soil and watering when the topsoil dries, avoiding soggy conditions; temperatures of about 16–30°C with 40–75% humidity; repot every 1–2 years and fertilize monthly in spring and summer; offsets or pups readily form at the base for propagation by separating them; non-toxic to pets, making it suitable for homes with children or animals.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

8-17.5 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9b-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, rich loamy potting soil that retains moisture; pH 6.0–7.0; peat-based or coir-based mix with perlite.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Bright green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing; typically doubles in size each year under good conditions, averaging 5–10 cm per year.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

No wildlife attracted