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Description
Pilea Cadierei Minima, also known as Aluminum Plant, is a popular houseplant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is a small, bushy plant that can grow up to 12 inches in height and 18 inches in width. The leaves of the plant are bright green with silver markings on top and have a velvety texture. The plant produces small, white, inconspicuous flowers that grow on long stems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Pilea |
Appearance
The Pilea Cadierei Minima plant has bright green leaves with silver markings that resemble aluminum foil. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a velvety texture. The plant has a bushy growth habit and can grow up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. The plant produces small, white flowers that grow on long stems but are inconspicuous.
Care Guide
To take care of Pilea Cadierei Minima, follow these guidelines:
Water: The plant prefers moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilization: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: Pilea Cadierei Minima is a tropical plant and prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pilea Cadierei Minima is relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. The plant can also suffer from root rot if overwatered. To prevent pests and diseases, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area, and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Pilea Cadierei Minima is native to China and Vietnam, where it grows in tropical forests. The plant is commonly grown as a houseplant in temperate regions worldwide.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pilea Cadierei Minima be grown in low light conditions?
A: While the plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, it can tolerate low light conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize Pilea Cadierei Minima?
A: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: Is Pilea Cadierei Minima poisonous to pets?
A: The plant is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can I propagate Pilea Cadierei Minima?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Pilea Cadierei Minima:
- Pilea Peperomioides
- Pilea Glauca
- Pilea Involucrata
- Pilea Nummulariifolia
References
- “Pilea Cadierei Minima Care Guide.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/pilea-cadierei-care-4767519.
- “Pilea Cadierei Minima.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280301&isprofile=0&.
- “Pilea Cadierei Minima.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/pilea-cadierei.
