The Pilea peperomioides, also called the pancake or UFO plant, is known for its cute coin-shaped leaves. A self-propagator, the Pilea produces sweet little babies or “pups” on it’s own, which pop up from the soil surrounding the mother plant.
LIGHT Thrives in bright direct light, but can tolerate bright to medium indirect light.
WATER Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency with increased light.
PLANT TIP This plant is pet-friendly!
Pilea peperomioides (Urticaceae) is an Asiatic perennial herb that is native to Yunnan Province in Southern China at the foot of the Himalayas. For a long time, this plant has been a mystery. That is because this plant, like many other Pilea, is insignificant in economic value (weedy), and like other Pilea, not much attention was paid to it. It was found to have been brought to Norway by a Norwegian missionary in 1946, upon the expulsion of religion and foreigners by Chairman Mao. From Norway, it was distributed by friends to friends, and eventually all over the world as a houseplant.