Contents
Description
Pilea Angulata, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, is a popular houseplant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. Native to Southern China, this plant features unique, round leaves that grow on thin, delicate stems. Its leaves are dark green in color and have a smooth, glossy texture. Pilea Angulata can reach a height of up to 12 inches and a width of up to 18 inches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Pilea |
Appearance
Pilea Angulata is a small, bushy plant with thin, delicate stems. Its leaves are round, dark green in color, and have a smooth, glossy texture. The leaves grow to be approximately 2-3 inches in diameter and are attached to the stem with a thin petiole. Pilea Angulata also produces small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Pilea Angulata thrives, it is important to provide it with the proper care. Here are some tips for caring for your Chinese Money Plant:• Water: Pilea Angulata prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.• Fertilization: Feed your Pilea Angulata with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss and perlite.• Sunlight: Pilea Angulata prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can damage the leaves.• Hardiness Zones: Pilea Angulata is a tropical plant and thrives in warm temperatures. It is best suited for hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pilea Angulata is generally a healthy plant, but it can still fall victim to pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to look out for:• Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause damage to the leaves by sucking out the plant’s sap. Treat spider mites with insecticidal soap or neem oil.• Mealybugs: These soft-bodied insects can be found on the underside of the leaves and in the soil. Treat mealybugs with insecticidal soap or neem oil.• Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant’s soil is well-draining and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Habitat
Pilea Angulata is native to Southern China, where it grows in the understory of tropical forests. It prefers warm, humid conditions and thrives in well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Pilea Angulata?
A: Pilea Angulata prefers moist soil, so water it regularly. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Q: How do I fertilize my Pilea Angulata?
A: Feed your Pilea Angulata with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Pilea Angulata grow in direct sunlight?
A: Pilea Angulata prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can damage the leaves.
Q: What are some common pests that can affect Pilea Angulata?
A: Spider mites and mealybugs are common pests that can affect Pilea Angulata.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Pilea Angulata:• Pilea Peperomioides• Pilea Glauca• Pilea Involucrata• Pilea Microphylla
References
• Plant Care Today. (2021). Pilea Angulata: How to Grow Chinese Money Plant [Blog post]. https://plantcaretoday.com/pilea-angulata.html• Gardening Know How. (2021). Chinese Money Plant Care – How To Grow Pilea Peperomioides [Blog post]. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pilea-plants/growing-chinese-money-plant.htm
