Can Pilea cadierei be grown hydroponically? A detailed guide to hydroponic methods

Can Pilea cadierei be grown hydroponically?

The common way to grow Pilea cadierei (aluminum plant) is in soil, and hydroponically grown Pilea cadierei is relatively rare. Many people do not know that this plant can absolutely be grown hydroponically. Grown using the hydroponic method, Pilea cadierei has vivid colors and increasingly distinct silvery-white stripes, set off against the clear water and an exquisite container, making it look even more charming.

Hydroponic methods for Pilea cadierei

Pilea cadierei is generally propagated by cuttings, either in spring or autumn. Simply cut off a section of stem with a terminal bud and place it directly in water to grow, and in about ten days new roots will appear, with a very high survival rate.

You can also directly use a potted plant, wash its roots, and then grow it hydroponically. Choose a healthy, growing Pilea cadierei, dig the plant out of the soil, gently shake off the excess soil on the roots, then rinse the roots clean with water at a temperature close to that of the soil. After that, use scissors to cut off all the tangled residual roots, diseased roots and rotten roots, keeping only some healthy, thick roots. Soak the trimmed roots in a diluted potassium permanganate solution for about ten minutes, then transplant them into a hydroponic vessel.

For newly transplanted Pilea cadierei, be sure to change the water every day and promptly trim off any roots that are growing poorly or showing signs of rot, until the plant begins to grow new roots after about a week, at which point you can start reducing the frequency of water changes.

Care of Pilea cadierei

Pilea cadierei likes a moist, semi-shaded environment, and the temperature most suitable for its growth is about 18-22°C. During the growing period of Pilea cadierei, spray water frequently to keep the leaves moist.

Be careful to avoid direct strong light. It is best to place it somewhere with bright, indirect light. In summer, provide appropriate shading, but do not place it in a completely dark place, as this will make the leaves of Pilea cadierei dull in color and cause the stems to grow leggy.

After the seedlings have become established, promptly remove the growing tips, as this can make the overall shape of the plant fuller. Be careful to prune regularly to reduce the plant's softness and lodging, promote branching, and make the shape more lush and attractive. However, do not prune excessively, otherwise the leaves of Pilea cadierei will become numerous and small, reducing its ornamental value.