Caring for Pilea Involucrata: Best Placement, Watering Tips, and Propagation Methods

• Pilea involucrata is a type of climbing plant that resembles a small shrub. It’s often referred to as the friendship plant because it’s easy to propagate and share cuttings with friends.
• Native to tropical regions, it is commonly used in terrariums due to the humid microclimate that suits its needs while also contributing to air purification. This plant is endemic to Central and South America.
• Its leaves are rounded, featuring a vibrant and glossy green color, measuring between two and three centimeters long. The leaves are textured, characterized by silver veins and wine-colored shadows, giving it a striking appearance.
• As a perennial plant, it typically thrives under the canopy of larger plants in tropical forests.
• It is often grown as a houseplant, frequently housed in glass vessels for aesthetic appeal.
• Safe for both humans and pets, it poses no toxicity risks.
• A common question is whether this plant can survive in air-conditioned environments. The answer is yes, though increased watering care is necessary as artificial air can dry out the surroundings.
• With proper care, it is a plant that can live for many years with us.

• The light required for Pilea involucrata should be indirect but abundant. Aim for six to eight hours of soft light. This plant does well in bathrooms and terrariums with limited natural light, but care should be taken to provide artificial light if necessary using specially designed grow lamps. It thrives on good quality, gentle light and requires several hours of shade daily.
• Temperature should remain stable, ideally between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. During winter, temperatures can range from 10 to 12 degrees Celsius without harming the plant.
• A humid environment is essential; if your home is dry, consider getting a humidifier to ensure sufficient moisture. Terrariums naturally create this humid atmosphere, maintaining a humidity level of 50% or higher.

• The ideal substrate consists of equal parts peat and mulch. This mix ensures the plant receives essential nutrients while preventing water from pooling and harming root health. For more information, check out articles about peat types and usage, as well as mulch benefits.
• Fertilization should be universal or basic, applied every two weeks, particularly from April through September to optimize growth.

To maintain the necessary humidity, water it two to three times a week, particularly during warmer months. Consistency is key. In the winter, reduce watering to once a week, as excess moisture in colder seasons can lead to leaf drop. During this time, keep the soil merely moist.

Pilea involucrata does not require significant pruning, only the removal of dead leaves or aged branches as needed.

This might be the most exciting aspect of growing this plant. It’s often called the friendship plant due to how easy it is to propagate and replant cuttings. Here’s how to reproduce it:

1. Simply locate a healthy, not too thin stem, cut it, and place it in a glass of water. Wait about one to two weeks for new roots to develop.
2. Once the roots have formed, the new cutting is ready to be planted in a pot and shared with family and friends.

• Brown spots on leaves: This usually indicates a fungal infection, which can be treated with commercial fungicides.
• Yellow spots on leaves: Age is the main culprit as leaves and stems can start losing their vibrant green color, showing yellow or dried-out spots.
• Sap-sucking insects: Sometimes, high humidity attracts tiny insects that may not be easily visible. If the plant seems weakened and its leaves unhealthy, you may suspect an infestation. Companion planting with aromatic herbs like basil, marigolds, parsley, or cilantro can naturally deter these pests. Additionally, reducing water during the colder months will help since excessive moisture is attractive to these insects. Consistently refreshing the soil with drier, nutrient-rich alternatives can also help.