Pilea: A Detailed Guide to Growing Methods and Precautions

Pilea, also known as transparent grass, white-transparent grass, aluminum-leaf grass, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Pilea in the nettle family (Urticaceae). Its leaves have beautiful patterns, its plant form is graceful, and it is fairly shade-tolerant. It can be placed long-term on a tea table or flower stand with scattered light, can also be combined with other plants, or hung as a hanging basket in a corner or a conspicuous spot. Now let us take a look at the growing methods and precautions for Pilea!

Growth habits of Pilea

Pilea likes a warm, humid climate and loose, fertile sandy soil. The suitable growing temperature is 15°C to 25°C, and in winter it must not drop below 5°C. It is produced in China in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Sichuan, southern Gansu, southern Shaanxi, southern Henan, southern Anhui, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian and Taiwan, China. It grows in valleys, beside streams or in shady, damp places under forests, at an altitude of 300-1500 m. It is also distributed in Japan and Vietnam.

Propagation methods of Pilea

1. Division: Pilea has a very strong clumping habit. When repotting and changing the soil, the whole clump can be divided into several portions and potted separately. At the same time, the old stems should be shortened, keeping 2-3 nodes at the base of the stems. After they survive, the axillary buds will quickly sprout and send out new side branches.

2. Cuttage: Mostly in May, use the top of the stem as a cutting. The medium is river sand or vermiculite. Under suitable temperature conditions, roots develop in about 10 days. When the new shoots have grown 3 cm to 5 cm, pot them in sandy soil, water thoroughly to settle the roots, and transfer to normal management.

Growing methods of Pilea

1. Soil: The potting soil for Pilea is best a loam rich in humus, loose and fertile. Keep the potting soil moist, but not overly wet, otherwise the roots rot easily, and it has a relatively high requirement for air humidity. Use mainly decomposed organic fertilizer and do not apply too much urea. If there is too much nitrogen fertilizer, it tends to grow excessively, which is not good for a beautiful plant shape. When phosphorus and potassium fertilizer are insufficient, the markings on the leaves tend to fade.

2. Light: Pilea is an indoor flower with very beautiful leaf color. It is very shade-tolerant, but prefers sufficient light, and direct strong light should be avoided. In summer, place the pot at a north window; in winter, put it at a south window. If the light is too dim, the leaf color will fade. If the sunlight is too strong, the leaves will be scorched. The suitable growing temperature is 18-22°C, and the overwintering temperature should not be lower than 7°C.

3. Fertilizer and water: For Pilea, keep the potting soil dry without cracking and moist without being wet. In summer, frequently spraying water on the leaf surface can keep the leaves clean and glossy. In winter, spray less water on the leaf surface, otherwise black spots will appear on the leaves, or they may even turn black and rot. During the growing season, apply a 20-80 or 30-70 nitrogen liquid fertilizer about once every two weeks to make the plant strong. After autumn, increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to strengthen the stems and prevent lodging.

4. Pruning: Pilea tolerates pruning. After the cutting seedlings are potted, pinch them once. When the new side branches grow to 4 leaves, pinch them again leaving 2 leaves. Repeat this to form a multi-branched, full, hemispherical plant shape. When an old plant grows too tall, keep 2-3 nodes at the base when repotting in spring, prune it back heavily, and after new branches appear, pinch 2-3 times to form a short and compact plant shape again.

5. Diseases and pests: Pilea commonly suffers from leaf spot disease, which can be prevented by spraying 200-fold Bordeaux mixture. If the potting soil is too wet, root rot easily occurs, and it can be watered with 1000-fold Topsin solution. If root-knot nematodes are found, 3% carbofuran can be applied for control. If there are scale insects, spray with 1000-fold 40% omethoate to kill them. If scarab beetles bite the leaves, they can be caught by hand or sprayed with 1000-fold trichlorfon.

Precautions for Pilea

1. Pilea should be repotted at least once a year in spring. During the growing period, fertilize about once a week, applying nutrient solution once.

2. When Pilea has been cultivated for too long and its growth slows down, it should be pruned in time, otherwise the ornamental effect will be reduced.

3. Pilea likes relatively strong scattered light. In summer, block more than 70 percent of the sunlight. If the sunlight is too strong, the leaves will be scorched. In winter, no shading or only slight shading is needed.

4. When overwintering, the temperature for Pilea should be kept above 13°C. Long-term temperatures below 10°C will cause damage, but a short period at around 5°C will not cause damage.

5. Pilea likes a humid environment, so keep the potting soil moist and the air humidity relatively high. In dry seasons, water can often be sprayed on the surrounding environment or the leaf surface.