Chinese Money Plant

Some people call me a Pancake Plant which gives you a better idea of my appearance. I have many stems which hold flat, round, green leaves.

A long-time favourite among houseplant owners, no collection is complete without a money plant. This one is from East Asia, but it is not so distantly related to the nettles which grow wild in Britain.

Easy to care for, it’s the perfect plant for new gardeners. It can survive well if you forget to water or feed it, and with proper attention, it will grow glossy green leaves and beautify your home! 

Growing pot size: 12cm

Overall plant height including growing pot: 15-20cm

Key Benefits — Purifying and easy to propagate 

Mature Pilea peperomioides produce baby plants that grow from their roots. Leave the mini-plants in the same pot as their parents for a while. Once they reach 5 to 10 centimetres you can plant them in their own pots, preferably in the Spring.

This plant is one of the plants that NASA recommended to remove impurities from the air. Great for offices and apartments in sky-high buildings. 

Plant Care Tips: The Chinese Money Plant

Chinese Money Plants will thrive if kept away from direct sunlight and with regular watering.

• If you prefer the plant in a decorative planter, there’s no need to re-pot it, just slide the growing pot straight into it. 
• You may need to hydrate it more often in the warmer seasons. Make sure the soil is dry between waterings to prevent root rot. 
• Once a month, it will appreciate feeding with diluted fertiliser.
• Wipe the leaves from time to time to keep them shiny and dust-free.
• Once every 2 years, if you notice it’s starting to get root bound, re-pot it, preferably in the spring. 

The Chinese Money Plant Story

Each plant grows slightly differently. As it matures, it expands more vertically and it can start producing very small flowers. 

Where is it from?

Scottish Botanist George Forrest was one of the first westerners to explore the province of Yunnan in the South West of China. He was the first one to collect Pilea peperomioides in 1906 and in 1910.

Norwegian missionary Agnar Espegren took cuttings of the plant back home in 1946 and from then, it was spread through Scandinavia. Since then, the plant has also been known as the Chinese Missionary Plant. 

Who is the Chinese Money Plant?

According to Feng Shui enthusiasts, the Chinese Money plant brings good luck, money and prosperity to its owner. Legend says that if you place a coin in its soil, you will become rich! 

Good For You!

• Restore: According to researchers, circular shapes are linked to happiness. Because it’s so easy to propagate, it means you can share happiness with your friends and family! 
• Purifying: Through photosynthesis, plants can also help remove levels of carbon dioxide in the air and filter toxins. 

Why are Money Plants lucky?

There are a few origin stories that explain why Money Plants and Trees are lucky. For the Crassula ovata (also called Jade Plant) and the Chinese Money Plant, it’s all to do with the round shape of the leaves. Humans are hardwired to find circular shapes calming, so there’s some scientific basis for the link. Our suspicion is that it’s actually a bit simpler, and circular shapes = coins = prosperity!

Pachira aquatica comes with its own mythology. The story goes that a poor man prayed for wealth and instead found this strange little tree with braided roots. This tree quickly sprouted many others and the poor man became wealthy from the profits. Most Money Trees have stems with five leaves, but if you have one with seven leaves, make sure you take good care, as these are especially lucky!

Another reason Money Plants and Trees have got such a good rap is that they grow very successfully in the home, adapting to most indoor environments. They’re all easy to maintain, and Money Plants have the added bonus of being easy to propagate (propagation means growing a new plant from a cutting as opposed to seed).    

If you keep your Chinese Money Plant in good condition, pretty quickly it will sprout offshoots that can be divided at the root, or cut off at the base of the stem, popped in water until it sprouts new roots and re-potted. In fact, some say that Money Plants only bring the owners good fortune when these plants (and their wealth-bringing properties) are shared.  

Is The Chinese Money Plant The Right One For Me?

A popular plant due to its ease-of-care and compact size, it’s well suited for inexperienced plant lovers and small spaces.

It won’t show its best features in spaces with excessive direct sunlight, but it will still appreciate bright areas. 

They prefer warmer environments, ideally above 12°C. If you live in colder areas, we recommend placing it in a well-heated room.  

Pets: Pet friendly

How tall does it get? 

The Pilea peperomioides can grow up to 30-40 cm tall with the correct care. 

Useful to know:

Origin

Nihao, I come from China.

Height/Growth

I will grow to around 40 cm high, and I'll get wide as well.

Light

Keep me in a bright room with indirect sunlight .

Water

Water me fairly regularly so that my soil is a little moist, but not wet.

Temperature

Keep me in a warm room, I don't like the cold.

Feeding

I'm not too hungry but I'd like a bit of fertiliser during Spring, my growing season.

Grooming

Wipe my leaves clean every few months to allow me to breath properly.

Care

Don't worry if my older leaves go yellow and drop off, this is just part of my growth process. If my leaves are droopy, it might be a sign that I'm thirsty.

Toxicity

I'm not considered toxic but I shouldn't be gobbled up!

Fact

I am also called the Friendship Plant because I can be easily split into more plants. According to legend, I will bring good fortune when I am given away.

*Decorative pots sold separately.

Easy to propagate and generate impressive low-cost gifts for your loved ones, the Chinese Money Plant is perfect for new and experienced plant lovers! Get yours now!