How often should I water a Pilea?

Pilea peperomioides has fine roots and soft, fleshy stems, so it prefers to dry out a little between drinks and dislikes sitting wet.

Every 7–10 days
A starting point, not a rule — check the soil before each watering and let the top few centimetres dry out first.

Always confirm with the soil: water when the top 2–5 cm is dry, whatever the calendar says.

Light

The Chinese money plant grows in bright, indirect light and leans hard towards its window, so turn the pot a little every week to keep the round leaves in a balanced dome. Too much direct sun scorches the leaves pale or brown; too little makes the stems long and leggy. In a bright spot in summer, the calculator suggests every 6–8 days.

Pot and soil

A small terracotta pot with drainage holes and a light, airy mix of compost and perlite suits it well. Pileas root shallowly and send up offsets around the main stem, so a wide, shallow pot works better than a deep one. Water evenly around the pot until it drains, then let the top few centimetres dry before the next drink.

Through the year

Medium-light starting points are every 7–10 days in spring and summer, 9–13 in autumn and 11–16 in winter, or 15–21 days in low light in winter. Growth slows sharply in the darker months and the plant may drop a few of its oldest, lowest leaves, which is normal as long as the top keeps producing.

Too much or too little

A thirsty pilea droops: the leaf stalks go soft and the leaves hang, then lift again within a few hours of watering. Too much water shows as yellowing leaves with dark patches, a soft or blackening main stem, and several leaves dropping from the bottom up at once. Leaves that dome or cup are often reacting to light rather than water, so check the soil before changing the routine.

The plant watering calculator explains how the intervals are worked out for every plant on the list.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Pilea drooping?

Usually because it is dry. Feel the soil: if the pot is light and the top half is dry, give it a thorough soak and it should perk up within a few hours. If the soil is wet and the plant still droops, the roots may be rotting; check for a soft stem near the base, and let the pot dry well before watering again.

Why are my Pilea leaves turning yellow?

One or two of the lowest leaves yellowing and dropping is the plant shedding old growth. Several yellowing at once, especially with soft brown patches or a damp, sour-smelling pot, means too much water. Let the soil dry further between waterings, make sure water drains freely from the pot, and stretch the interval through autumn and winter.

Leaflet works out this schedule for every plant you own and reminds you.

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