Are you ready for your Pilea parenthood experience? Even though Pilea is an easy plant to keep alive, you still need to know a few essential things before you start. Here is why we have prepared a list of tips that will help you care for this plant!
1. Your home environment will make the difference
Imagine two Pilea plants that are exactly the same, like two clones (yeah, we know that it's impossible!), placed in two different apartments. Chances are, they will grow in a completely different way. This is because Pilea needs different levels of care, depending on your home and room environment.
For example, the heater and the air conditioning can cause the air to become drier. Pilea loves humidity, so if your home is on the dry side, you will need to pay attention. Adjust your watering based on the temperature and the amount of lighting in your home; also, spray or mist the leaves twice a week.
Furthermore, Pilea could easily suffer from heat stress: do not forget to monitor the temperature, not just in the room, but also around the plant.
2. Make sure you will give Pilea the right spot
Not only the room environment but also choosing the right spot can affect the way your Pilea will grow.
Pilea loves to be in front of a window where it can get a lot of bright indirect light, but almost no direct sunlight. Since too much sun might stress the leaves, a north or east-facing window will work best. If you only have a south or west window available, you will need to use sheers or blinds. Make sure there will be enough space between the light source and the plant.
You also want to choose a spot where you can maintain constant ventilation.
3. Each Pilea is unique and will grow differently
Also if you will make an effort to provide all the care and love the plant needs, never forget that Pileas are all different and act very distinctively, even when you are treating them the same. So, don't worry if your plant won't look the way you want: this is not a thing you can control.
Your Pilea might start growing tall, or large. It might have big leaves; or small leaves. Maybe it will grow fast or will stay petite. Learn to love your Pilea no matter what, and whatever the shape it gets.
4. You will need to be patient
Since Pilea are all different, your plant will have its own peculiar needs, which you will need to learn with time. In the end, that is what being a plant parent means: to be patient and to know your plant by trying, failing, and trying again.
Give your plant unconditional love and do not over worry if you see your green friend going through a hard time: just keep taking care of it and give it some time to recover.
Remember that your plant is a living thing: it is alive, just exactly as YOU are, and it will have its ups and downs.
5. Your Pilea could be stressed because of shipping
Pilea needs to be shipped to reach shops and nurseries. Unfortunately, shipping can be really stressful for our green friends.
If you have finally found a Pilea plant in your favorite store, but it looks a bit droopy or even damaged, don't panic! It just means that it went through a long journey. Check the roots of the plant, and try to look for babies: that is a clear signal that Pilea is healthy. If you are willing to give your new plant proper care and love, it will thrive again soon!
Don’t worry and be patient: look after your plant, and give it some time to get comfortable in your house environment, and it will adjust fine!
6. You won't need to re-pot the plant right after you buy it
When you buy a Pilea plant, you usually find it in a small plastic pot. Avoid unnecessary stress (re-potting can be stressful) and leave your Pilea in the current container. It can stay there for over a year!
7. Pilea has a lot of roots
Do not be surprised if the soil beneath your Pilea is covered in roots: it is perfectly normal. That is how the plant guides its way through the soil to the light and water.
Pilea plants are voracious growers, and if you see an unusual amount of fuzzy roots on your Pilea, it means is that you have an overactive plant that will make more babies, and faster than the average Pilea!
8. Pilea is safe for pets and 100% non-toxic
Pileas are non-toxic and completely safe for both pets and people, so you can feel good knowing that they are as natural as can be in case your pet will decide to try a bite.
However, remember that they don’t taste all that great!
9. Pilea will keep growing and producing babies
Pilea is a true "baby-maker", and will keep making sprouts as long as it stays strong and healthy.
Do not be scared to cut off those little plantlets and propagate them: your Pilea will continue growing just fine, no matter how many sprouts are harvested. Just ensure that you replace any soil that was taken out while cutting sprouts.
10. Pilea will tend to reach for the light
Pilea's leaves tend to grow in the direction of the light source. For this reason, you will need to rotate your plant a few times a week if you want that it keeps a nice and symmetrical shape.
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