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5 Easy Steps To Propagating Pilea Peperomiodes AKA The Chinese Money Plant
The Pilea Peperomioides, better known as the Chinese Money Plant or Friendship Plant, earned its nickname because it's so easy to propagate and share. This charming plant naturally produces baby offshoots, called pups, that can be separated and grown into brand-new plants, making it one of the most rewarding houseplants to propagate. Whether you want to expand your own collection or gift a cutting to a friend, here are five easy steps to propagate your Pilea.
At Léon & George, our master gardeners have spent nearly a decade growing premium plants and helping thousands of plant parents nationwide, so the guidance here comes straight from hands-on experience.
Why the Pilea Is So Easy to Propagate
Unlike many houseplants that require stem or leaf cuttings, the Pilea propagates itself by sending up small offshoots, or pups, from its base and root system. This means you don't have to cut into the main plant or hope a leaf will root. You simply separate the pups, which already have the genetics to grow into full plants. It's this effortless, shareable quality that made the Pilea a beloved gift plant passed from friend to friend for generations.
How to Propagate a Pilea in 5 Steps
Propagating the Pilea Peperomioides is incredibly simple:
- Locate small offsets, or baby Pileas (pups), at the base of the plant. You'll find these emerging from the soil below the main stalk. If your plant doesn't have any yet, hold off, as they will sprout up soon.
- Using a clean blade, cut an offset at its base, as close to the soil as possible.
- Place the stem of the offset in a small glass or jar with water. Make sure only the stem is submerged, not the leaves, as submerged leaves will rot.
- Set the jar in an area with bright, indirect light and wait. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. After a week or two, you should see roots begin to sprout.
- Once the roots have grown to about an inch long, carefully pot the pup in fresh, well-draining soil, gently pressing the soil down. Keep the soil lightly moist for the first few weeks until the plant establishes.
Once your new Pilea has taken root, a gentle fertilizer during the growing season will help it grow into a stronger, healthier mature plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to propagate a Pilea?
Once you place a pup's stem in water, roots usually appear within one to two weeks, and the cutting is ready to pot once the roots reach about an inch long. From there, the new plant establishes over the following few weeks.
Can you propagate a Pilea from a leaf?
Pilea leaves can occasionally root, but they rarely grow into full plants. The most reliable method is to propagate from the pups (baby offshoots) at the base of the plant, which already have the structure to mature.
Where do Pilea pups come from?
Pilea pups sprout from the soil around the base of the mother plant and from its root system. A healthy, well-established Pilea will produce them regularly, especially during the growing season.
Should I propagate my Pilea in water or soil?
Water propagation is the most popular because you can watch the roots develop, but pups can also be planted directly in soil. If you root in water, pot the pup once the roots reach about an inch long.
Why is my Pilea not producing pups?
Young or stressed plants may take time to produce pups. Give your Pilea bright, indirect light, consistent watering, and a little fertilizer during the growing season, and it should start sending up babies.