At a glance
- Light
- Medium / indirect light
- Watering
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–25 °C
- Humidity
- 40–70 %
- Pet safety
- Not confirmed pet-safe
- Scientific name
- Pilea peperomioides
When and how much water
Water Chinese money plant when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Chinese money plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed Chinese money plant every 21 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Chinese money plant is comfortable between 18 and 25 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 40–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Not confirmed pet-safe.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Chinese money plant?
Water your Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a Chinese money plant need?
Chinese money plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Chinese money plant safe for cats and dogs?
Chinese money plant is not listed in the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database, so we cannot confirm it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets, and call your vet if your pet chews it.
Why are my Chinese money plant’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Chinese money plant, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing lower leaves, mushy stem base, or dark leaf spots. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see curling domed leaves, drooping leaves, or browning leaf edges instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · classification · native range
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · indoor care · insects, diseases, and other plant problems
- Penn State ExtensionLight · temperature · water · soil · repotting · pests and diseases
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · position · moisture · soil · under-glass conditions · Houseplant growing guidance · top-layer dry-down · standing water · light
- Norwegian Poisons Information Centre: HelsenorgePlant identification · danger classification · expected symptoms after small taste
Last reviewed: 2026-09-01
