How to Care for a Chinese Money Plant (Pilea) in the UK

What better time of year to celebrate the Pilea genus than Shrove Tuesday, as the most popular member - Pilea peperomioides - is commonly known as the Pancake Plant, thanks to its flat, circular leaves. Another familiar name is the Chinese Money Plant, widely recognised as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, making it a meaningful gift.

There are around 600 species of Pilea, all part of the Urticaceae family. In the wild, Pilea can be found growing across Asia, Central and South America, and South Africa. Despite the succulent-like nature of Pilea peperomioides, these plants thrive in warm, humid rainforest environments, often growing in the shaded understory.

While the Chinese Money Plant is the best-known variety thanks to its funky, circular foliage, there are plenty of other beautiful species to explore, such as Pilea involucrata, with its textured, nettle-like leaves, and Pilea ‘Mojito’, featuring striking splashes of white variegation.

How to Care for Pilea in UK Homes

Generally, Pilea thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate a little gentle direct sun in the morning or evening but avoid placing them in a south-facing window, where strong midday sun may scorch the leaves.

Water your Pilea when the top inch or two of compost feels dry. In the warmer months, this is usually every 7–10 days, with less frequent watering needed during winter. Always remove the plant from its decorative pot before watering, and allow excess water to drain fully before returning it to its spot.

Although native to humid environments, misting isn't essential unless your home has particularly dry air. If needed, give your Chinese Money Plant a light mist using a spray bottle, but avoid leaving water sitting on the leaves, as this can lead to rot and mildew.

Propagating and Repotting Pilea

If you're interested in propagating houseplants, Pilea are a brilliant place to start. Chinese Money Plants naturally produce small pups around the base of the mother plant. These can be carefully separated and potted individually or left to encourage a fuller, bushier look.

Repotting is best done in the growing season (spring and summer). Signs your Pilea is ready for a repot include roots growing out of the drainage holes or tightly circling the bottom of the compost.

How to repot your Pilea:

Choose a pot with drainage holes, around 5cm larger than the current pot. We recommend our plastic growing pots placed inside decorative pots to help prevent root rot.
For compost, we recommend mixing 60% Soil Ninja Base Mix, 20% fine bark, and 20% sand for excellent drainage and aeration. A more budget-friendly option is Cactus Focus 3L.
Add a layer of fresh compost to the new pot.
Remove the plant from its current pot, gently loosen the roots, and place it into the new pot.
Fill in around the plant with fresh compost and water as needed.

After repotting, your Chinese Money Plant won't need feeding for around six weeks, as fresh compost provides nutrients. After this, feed regularly during spring and summer to support new growth.

Recommended feeds:

Liquid Gold Leaf – a high-quality, all-round feed perfect for leafy houseplants, cacti, succulents, and even orchids.
Cactus & Succulent Focus (300ml) – an affordable, reliable option.

Common Pilea Problems and How to Fix Them

Yellowing Leaves

Usually a sign of overwatering. Always check the compost with your finger before watering—if it still feels damp, hold off for a few more days. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent excess water causing root rot.

Curling Leaves

Often caused by cold temperatures. Move your Pilea away from draughty areas and keep it off cold windowsills during the winter months.

Brown Patches

These are typically caused by leaf scorch from too much direct sunlight—especially in south-facing windows. Crispy edges can also result from dry heat sources like radiators and fireplaces.

Leggy Growth

Leggy stems are a sign your Pilea isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter spot to encourage fuller, healthier growth.

For the best Pilea care in the UK, focus on the right light, proper watering, and regular feeding during the growing season. With the right setup, your Chinese Money Plant will reward you with fresh growth and those signature pancake-shaped leaves that bring charm to any space.