How to Grow and Care for a Pilea ‘Moon Valley’ Plant

Hi Peggy,

There are over 600 different varieties of Pilea and the care instructions for all of them are just about the same.

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Light: All Pilea plants need bright indirect light. Direct sun burns the leaves not enough light causes a Pilea plant to become leggy.

Water: The soil should be slightly moist but not soggy at all times. In the cooler months or when your plant is not producing new leaves, allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering.

Fertilizer: Feed  every two weeks when  actively growing with a basic houseplant fertilizer at 1/2 the recommended strength.

Temperature: The best temperature is between 60°-75°F (15.6-23.9°C)

Humidity: Pilea plants require very high humidity. If your home is dry, place your Pilea on a tray of pebbles filled with water. Be sure the plant is sitting on the pebbles and not in the water.

Flowering: A Pilea produces very small  flowers that are over- shadowed by their distinctive leaves.

Pests: Spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats, scale, and thrip

Diseases: Because of the high humidity a Pilea plant requires, both bacterial and fungal leaf spot disease is a problem. You can help prevent plant diseases by keeping the leaves dry and providing good air circulation around the plant. A commercial fungicide can be used to treat leaf spot disease.

Soil: Use a basic houseplant mix that is airy and drains quickly. Add some peat moss or other organic matter to help Pilea plants develop a good root structure.

Pot Size: These are one of the few plants do not like to be root bound; but since Pileas are small plants, their pot size is rarely larger than 8″.

Pruning: Pilea plants become very leggy and unattractive unless they are frequently cut back.

Propagation: Stem cuttings

Poisonous Plant Info: Non-poisonous