Wishing to start your own little Pilea paradise? Here are ten tips that will help you propagate your babies and create a healthy and happy Pilea family!

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1. The best period to take cuttings is in spring

You can take cuttings of your Pilea all year round, but the best period is in spring. That's when the plant grows the fastest and makes most of the babies.

2. Do not to cover the soil with any rocks or decorative pebbles

It's important to leave the soil free from any pebbles so the plantlets can comfortably pop up through the soil.

3. Make sure the baby is big enough to survive on its own

You will see some baby plants popping up, both from the roots and the stems of your grown-up Pilea. Wait a few weeks for the pups to become a good size and then gently remove one plantlet from the mother plant, using a sharp knife.

4. Put the baby in water if it doesn't have roots yet, but make sure the leaves don't touch the water

When you propagate your Pilea using a plantlet growing from the stem, you should put it in water first, since this pup doesn't have roots yet.

Keep it in water at least for 1-2 weeks, making sure the leaves don't touch the water and changing the water often to keep it fresh and clean and increase the chances of rooting⁠. Be patient: it can take up to one month! At some point, you will see roots start growing.

5. Re-pot your baby in the right soil mixture

Once you see enough roots growing on your baby, you can pot the plantlet in some soil. Fill your pot with a mixture of perlite and soil; you can use an all-purpose or a tropical soil mixture, just make sure it has good drainage.

Pilea truly suffers overwatering: it’s important to use well-draining soil that allows the plant to breathe properly. Make also sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom so the water can get through the soil easily.

6. Let your Pilea dry out between waterings

Pilea needs to be treated much like a succulent - it's scientifically classified as a succulent. Be sure to let its soil mixture dry out completely between each watering that should happen no more than once a week.

7. Remember to water from the bottom

Remember to water your Pilea from the bottom. Let the plant sit in water until the top of the soil is moist.

8. Don't expose your baby to direct sunlight

Pilea loves bright, indirect light: remember that sunlight could burn its leaves! The low or moderate light of a north or west window will work best. Use sheers or blinds if facing south or west windows.

9. Remember to rotate

If you want you Pilea to stay nice and symmetrical, rotate your plant occasionally, especially if it receives light from only one side. In this way, your plant will keep a nice even shape.

10. Be patient!

It will usually take about a month for the baby Pilea to establish itself in the soil. Your plant needs some time to grow and feel comfortable in its new habitat. You might wait a while before you can notice your baby Pilea growing its own roots, especially during the winter.

Once you see some new leaves showing up, you can be sure the plant is happy and comfortable.

At some point, you will also see some baby plants popping up: then you can start the propagation all over again!

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