CHINESE MONEY PLANT

DIG THIS

Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is famous for its unique coin-shaped leaves and its little baby sprouts called "pups". These pups sprout from the soil and can be gently lifted out to create brand new plants!

You may often see this plant called the "friendship plant" due to how easy it is to scoop up the pups and gift them to a friend. Perfect for sharing the green wealth!

Moderate Care

Indirect Sunlight

Water When Dry

Pet Safe

INDIRECT SUNLIGHT

AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN

A Chinese money plant does not do well in low light.

It may technically survive, but it will not thrive. You may notice slower growth, leaf drop and legginess. Bright, filtered light is best.

Pro Tip:
This plant loves leaning towards the light! Rotate its pot slightly every week or two to keep it growing evenly.

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.

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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹

EAST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants

WEST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹

⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants

NORTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹

⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!

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OUR PICK

We recommend an east or west-facing window for a Chinese money plant for true indirect sunlight.

⚠︎ Avoid south or north-facing ⚠︎

WATER WHEN DRY

Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.

Dry soil + drooping leaves = thirsty.
Wet soil + drooping leaves = put the watering can down!

Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure its pot has good drainage.

MODERATE HUMIDITY

It isn’t fussy, so indoor humidity will work just fine. Try to keep moisture off its leaves if you can.

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

Chinese money plant needs soil that drains well and doesn't stay soggy.

The best store-bought option is a standard indoor potting mix since it is already formulated for plants like a Chinese money plant.

If you'd like to add something to help with drainage, mix in a bit of perlite.

PERLITE

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface
Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

COMMON ISSUES

YELLOWING

Yellowing leaves is a possible sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.

Remove affected leaves. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering again. Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.

If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

BROWNING / CRISPING

Often due to low humidity, underwatering, or sun scorch.

Consider boosting humidity levels (if possible), check soil moisture and/or move the Chinese money plant away from direct sun.

SNIPPING BROWN EDGES

DROOPING

Likely caused by underwatering or overwatering. A little tricky!

⊹ SOIL CHECK ⊹
Soggy: Likely overwatered or poor drainage. Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Allow soil to dry out a bit. Consider mixing in perlite or orchid bark for extra airflow.

Bone dry: Needs a drink and/or a humidity boost. Water thoroughly until water drains from bottom.

WHITE SPOTS

If you notice faint, white circles on the underside of the leaves, you are likely looking at calcium deposits.

Hard water and harsh chemicals in water can cause mineral buildup on plant leaves. Gently wipe away the deposits and consider using filtered, distilled or rain water for this plant.

PESTS

Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:

Mealybugs
Spider Mites
Fungus Gnats

YELLOWING

BROWNING / CRISPING

DROOPING

WHITE SPOTS

PESTS