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Mini Pilea Peperomioides Care – A How To Guide

The Pilea Peperomioides is well known for its relatively compact size, bright green leaves, and easy cultivation. You should make sure you know the basics of caring for a mini Pilea. Read this guide to find out what your plant needs to become healthy.

Soil

Plants of Pilea Peperomioides need well-draining, porous soil.

The best way to avoid moisture-related problems when planting pileas is to use an all-purpose soil mixture or a tropical soil mixture. A homemade mixture can be prepared using coco peat fiber or peat moss, and then mixed with a small amount of perlite, one part perlite to nine parts soil, which will help aerate and drain your soil. 

If you are choosing a pot or planter, make sure it has drainage holes. 

Watering Requirements

Root rot can easily occur in pilea plants, so it’s important to let the soil dry completely between waterings.  Try sticking your finger in the first inch of the soil of your mini Pilea to see if it needs some water. If your Pilea is dry, it is getting thirsty.

A soil moisture gauge is a good tool for those who are prone to overwatering if you prefer to use one. You can get one for very little money and it is extremely easy to use. Simply place it in the soil, and the display tells you whether it is dry, moist, or wet.

To compensate for the higher temperatures, you may need to water your Pilea Peperomioides plant a bit more during the summer. 

Humidity

Moisture is Pilea’s favorite. At least twice a week, mist the Pilea Peperomioides’ leaves in a room with a heater or air conditioner. This will help the leaves retain moisture and prevent them from drying out. 

If you want to manage humidity levels in the room, you can purchase an indoor humidity monitor. 

Lighting Requirements

Indirect sunlight, Pilea Peperomioides is likely to scorch and dry out.  The pilea grows well in indirect, bright light; a window facing the north or east is generally the best spot.

Keeping your mini Pilea symmetrical is important, or the leaves will start to grow towards the light. Rotate the plant a few times a week to maintain the symmetrical appearance. 

To protect your plant from excessive sun, use blinds or sheers if you have only a Western or Southern window.

Temperature

Temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for pila. The plant will suffer if exposed to low temperatures below 55 degrees or high temperatures above 100 degrees.

If your house has drafty windows, you may find that it gets very hot in the afternoon and quite cool once the sunsets. Be sure to place Pilea somewhere where it won’t be subject to these large temperature swings. 

It is best not to place the plant near heaters or air conditioners, as extreme temperatures can damage it over time.  If you have a window fan or a table fan, keep the plant away from it as the excess air flow can dry out the roots and cause issues.

What About Fertilizer?

You will need to fertilize Pilea Peperomioides if you wish to keep the plant’s vibrant color and encourage it to grow healthy new leaves. 

Once a month, feed your mini Pilea with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer. Dilute the mixture to half strength to avoid shocking the plant. Look for a 20-20-20 ratio for the best results. 

During the winter months, cut back on fertilizing—skim one of the sessions or cut it in half. 

Additional Care

Although Pilea Peperomioides is relatively low-maintenance, it does require some regular care if you want it to remain healthy and flourish.

  • Be on the lookout for any yellow or brown leaves. These need to be removed regularly to promote new growth. Plants should be pruned a few times a year, but overpruning can shock them.
  • They should be replanted every 1-2 years. Examine the roots and the soil when repotting for signs of root rot, mold or fungus growth, and pests. Trim circles of roots carefully.
  • It’s a good idea to flush your Pilea Peperomioides once a month. The plant needs to be watered 4 to 5 times in a single sitting while letting the water slowly drain out of the planter each time. By flushing, salts and excess minerals in the soil are washed away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Pilea Peperomioides

 How often do you water Mini Pilea?

Water Pilea peperomioides only when the top 2″-3″ of the soil has dried. Watering this plant deeply once a week typically suffices, but the amount and quality of light it receives will determine how frequently it needs to be watered.

How big will a mini Pilea get?

A fully grown plant will grow to about 12 inches in height and 12 inches in width. Leave it plenty of space so it can grow. It may produce pink-tinged stems and tiny white flowers if Pilea is happy. When the plant is in bloom, your thumb will look green.

Should I mist Pilea?

If your home is on the dry side, mist or spray the leaves twice a week if Pileas enjoy humidity. In order to manage moisture levels in your room, you may want to invest in an indoor humidity monitor.

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