Looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant? Say hello to the Chinese money plant! Also known as the missionary plant, lefse plant, or pancake plant, this lovely little plant is perfect for busy people who want to enjoy the benefits of owning a houseplant without having to put in too much effort. These plants are best for those who have experience with some other indoor houseplants, like the pilea. While the plant is easy to grow it recovers from issues slower than most plants, it does not require much maintenance and is still fairly simple to manage but we do advise caution for novice growers.
The Chinese money plant is native to southwest China and Taiwan. The plant was allegedly introduced to the Western world by a Scandinavian missionary who took home cuttings to share with his friends.
It grows in moist, shady forests and can reach up to two feet in height. The leaves of the Chinese money plant are round and flat, with a coin-like shape that gives the plant its common name. The leaves are green with white or yellow spots, and they have a waxy texture that makes them shine in the light.
The Chinese money plant is an easy plant to care for. It prefers indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, and fertilize it once a month during the growing season using growlands house plant food. When keeping the Chinese money plant indoors, be sure to provide good drainage and air circulation to prevent powdery mildew from developing on the leaves.
The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) once upon a time was hard to find commercially. However, the plant is relatively easy to propagate, so much so that it is commonly known as the Friendship Plant or Pass-It-On Plant. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about propagating your own Chinese money plant and growing it indoors.
How to propagate Chinese money Plant
If you have a Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides), chances are you want more of them. They’re trendy, low-maintenance houseplants that are easy to propagate. Here’s how to do it.
First, take a look at your plant and decide which way you want to propagate it. You can either propagate from stem cuttings, from leaf cuttings or from plantlets. Stem cuttings and planets will give you a plant that is identical to the parent plant, while leaf cuttings will produce plants that are clones of the parent plant.
Propagation From Root Plantlets
Plant propagation is possible using plantlets that stem from the parent plant. These can be found attached via the rhizome or stem. Plantlets can be propagated in water and then placed in fertile soil for survival. Once the plant has grown bigger, it can be transferred to a larger pot where it provides more space for growing. In our opinion this is one of the easiest methods for propagating a Pilea plant. A healthy plant can have several baby plants emerging from its roots in just a few weeks, each with its own little root system.
Instructions:
Step 1: Locate the plantlet. You may need to Remove dirt to see where the new plants are sprouting from. These shoots will look like little Chinese money plants.
Step 2 : Once you find a mini money plant with leaves on it, cut it off at the connection point.
Step 3: Just like stem cuttings you can place the plantlet in a glass of water and house it in a bright location until the root starts to appear. You can also take the plantlet and sow it into a potting mix. To do this simply push the cut end of the plantlet into the soil so the plant can support itself and water thoroughly. It’s best to keep the plant’s soil moist but not soggy.
Propagating From Stem Cuttings
To propagate your Chinese money plant that hasn’t produced offshoots you can propagate from stem cuttings. This method also works as a great way to propagate from pruning.
Instructions
Step 1 : Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to take a 4-6 inch cutting from the tip of a healthy stem
Step 2 : Place the cut end of your cutting upright in a clear glass container filled with rain water and a little Propagation Promoter. Make sure the cut is completely submerged, but that leaves are not touching the water at all.
Step 3 : Place it somewhere brightly lit, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the water topped off and change it every week to ensure the water stays fresh.
Step 4: Once you see root growth go ahead and plant it in the potting medium of your choice.
Propagation with Leaf Cuttings
The propagation with lead cuttings is very hit and a miss and should really only be experimented with as a last resort. To propagate from leaf cuttings, start by taking a leaf cutting from the edge of a healthy leaf. Cut the leaf in half lengthwise, then dip the bottom of each half in rooting hormone powder. Place the leaf cuttings in a pot filled with moistened potting mix, and keep them warm and humid until new growth appears.
The Best time to Propagate Chinese Money Plant
Assuming you’re referring to the plant Pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese money plant, the best time to propagate is in late spring or early summer. This is when the plant is actively growing, and the stem cuttings will have the best chance of taking root.
Conclusion
Propagating and growing a Chinese money plant indoors is relatively easy to do and doesn’t require a lot of effort. With a little patience, you can have your very own indoor Chinese money plant in no time. Just follow the steps outlined in this article and you’ll be on your way to success.