Chinese money plant care guide
Pilea peperomioides
Quick answer
Water your Chinese money plant when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate18–25 °C (64–77 °F)
- Pet safetyNot confirmed pet-safe
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 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.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
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 every month or two from April to September with a balanced liquid fertilizer, following the dilution on the product.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–25 °C (64–77 °F)
Humidity40–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–25 °C (64–77 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
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
Not confirmed pet-safe
Common questions
How often should I water a Chinese money plant?
Water your Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) 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.
Why is my Chinese money plant turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
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
- How we check our plant advice
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