Pilea Fontana

Description

Pilea Fontana, commonly known as the “Creeping Charlie” or “Friendship Plant,” is a species of creeping herbaceous plant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is native to Central and South America, but it is also widely cultivated as an indoor plant due to its low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The plant has small, round, and slightly succulent leaves that are bright green in color and covered with tiny hairs. The leaves are attached to the stems by a short petiole, giving the plant a bushy appearance. The plant produces tiny white or pink flowers that are insignificant and rarely seen in indoor settings.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Rosales
Family	Urticaceae
Genus	Pilea
Species	Fontana

Appearance

Pilea Fontana is a small and bushy plant that can grow up to 12 inches tall and wide. The leaves are round and slightly succulent, with a bright green color and tiny hairs covering the surface. The leaves are attached to the stems by a short petiole, and they grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The stem of the plant is thin and delicate, and it can be easily broken if not handled with care. The plant produces tiny white or pink flowers that are not noticeable in indoor settings.

Care Guide

Water: Pilea Fontana prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and make sure to avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Soil: Pilea Fontana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to ensure proper drainage.

Sunlight: Pilea Fontana prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as it can damage the leaves.

Hardiness Zones: Pilea Fontana is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. It is typically grown as an indoor plant in cooler climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Pilea Fontana is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled by using a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or if grown in poorly-draining soil.

Habitat

Pilea Fontana is native to Central and South America, where it grows as an understory plant in tropical forests. It is commonly found in shaded areas with high humidity, such as riverbanks and forest floors.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Pilea Fontana toxic to pets?

A: No, Pilea Fontana is not toxic to pets.

Q: Can Pilea Fontana be grown outdoors?

A: Pilea Fontana is hardy in USDA zones 10-11, and it can be grown outdoors in warmer climates. However, it is typically grown as an indoor plant in cooler climates.

Q: How often should I fertilize Pilea Fontana?

A: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Q: Can Pilea Fontana be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Pilea Fontana can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Simply take a 3-4 inch cutting from the tip of a stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in a pot with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight until it roots.

Related Plants

• Pilea Peperomioides
• Pilea Involucrata
• Pilea Cadierei
• Pilea Depressa

References

• “Pilea Fontana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c615.
• “Pilea Fontana.” Plant Care Today, 24 June 2020, plantcaretoday.com/pilea-fontana.html.
• “How to Care for Pilea Fontana: The Ultimate Guide.” Smart Garden Guide, 10 Nov. 2020, smartgardenguide.com/pilea-fontana-care/.