Decorative foliage plants can offer a strikingly rich selection of attractive accents for decorating rooms. One of the most beautiful compact plants in both shape and texture are Pileas. They have so many species and varieties that it is sometimes difficult to believe that the bushes belong to the same genus. Unpretentious, quite hardy, Pileas may not be distinguished by their durability, but they have no equal in the luxury of small foliage. Growing them is not difficult, nor is it difficult to independently obtain new plants to replace old, rather short-lived specimens.
Lyubo GadzhevPileas occupy a special place among compact indoor plants. They are indeed small, modest in volume and very neat-looking crops that are used to decorate rooms with attractive accents. The magnificent foliage makes Pileas appear precious and striking. Pileas got their name for their ability to spray, or rather scatter pollen over amazing distances. But in indoor culture, it is impossible to appreciate such talents, unlike the beauty of the leaves.
Pylea (Pilea) are charming perennial and sometimes annual representatives of the nettle family. These are tropical crops in character and origin, which, despite their southern roots, prefer cool growing conditions. The height of the saws is limited to a maximum of 30-40 cm, but most beauties are content with more compact sizes.
The shoots are straight or creeping, thin, densely branched from the base. The leaves sit opposite, depending on the species, they can be tiny, just a few millimeters, or larger, up to several centimeters in length. Even the edge of the leaves can be either solid or jagged. Not to mention that lanceolate, oval outlines are as common as perfect circles. The flowering of pili is inconspicuous: small, unisexual, collected in clusters of inflorescences located in the axils of the leaves, the flowers of the plants are almost inconspicuous.
sunnyside One of the main advantages of pili is variety. Among these beauties there are such original plants that it is impossible to guess their relationship. Some pili have luxurious, velvety leaves, while others have glossy leaves. And the difference in shapes and even sizes can completely confuse anyone.
Velvety beauty pilea thickifolia (pilea crassifolia) is one of the most popular saws. Reddish-green leaves with a bumpy, embossed surface and light stripes along the edges seem like luxurious velvet, powdered with light dust, a precious decoration.
Reseik Rare looks like an outlandish reptile Pilea spruce (pilea spruceana). It grows only up to 20 cm, is distinguished by folded matte leaves with a base brown-red color, jagged edges and longitudinal stripes located between the veins, which, together with the pearlescent sheen of the leaves, give the entire plant a resemblance to the skin of snakes or lizards. The bubble-like growths of this pilea give it a particularly distinctive texture. In addition to the basic appearance, there is also the original “Norfolk” variety with drooping shoots, a bright color with a silver-green “mint” base and almost black, purple veins, emphasizing the velvety texture of the wrinkled surface. The reverse side of the leaves of this plant surprises with its rich red color.
阿橋HQ Blistered projections on leaves with usually copper, bronze-green or red colors captivate pilea involucres (pilea involucrata). It brings metallic effects to interiors. The height of the bushes is limited to 30 cm, the shoots are straight, the leaves are oval, up to 7 cm long. The surface of the leaves is somewhat reminiscent of Byzantine chistets due to its strong roughness, but the bright green color, through which the dark brown patterns of the veins are visible, looks much more original .
John Berndt (pilea cadierei) - one of the most strict in terms of patterns on the leaves. Between the veins on a green background there are spectacular silver stripes that emphasize the oval shape of the leaf. And they are quite large in this pilea, reaching 10 cm in length and more than 4 cm in width. Mature leaves arch beautifully, which only emphasizes the glossy color. The height of the bushes reaches 30-40 cm, the shoots are very thin and flexible, initially erect and only gradually bending downward with age. In addition to the basic type, the dwarf Pilea variety “Minima” is also very popular, which seems to be a smaller copy of this luxurious beauty.
kaiyanwong223 (pilea peperomioides) is a miniature miracle that is impossible not to love. This is one of the plants whose flowering is very difficult to notice, and it occurs extremely rarely in indoor conditions. But the luxurious unusual foliage fully compensates for the lack of flowers. Almost perfectly round, coin-like leaves grow in a bunch on a greenish-brown, shortened stem. The long petioles are thin, the surface is perfectly glossy, and the color is rich green, very attractive.
Randy J. Pilea parvifolia (pilea microphylla) captivates with countless small leaves on recumbent, drooping shoots. Fleshy and miniature, the leaves give this pilea an enviable “curly” appearance, and the highly branched, juicy, spreading shoots only enhance the effect. The color of the small-leaved pilea is light and bright, the convexity on top enhances the glossy sheen. Today, the most amazing of the dwarf species, formerly known as mossy pilea (pilea muscosa), has also been included in the series of small-leaved pili. This plant seems to be a tussock of moss, slightly different in shape from the small-leaved pilea and a low bush, and the ability to produce lateral thread-like shoots from the axils of opposite leaves.
Tina
The ground cover can also boast of a similar “curly” bush. Pilea monetifolia (pilea nummulariifolia). Unlike the small-leaved pilea, its leaves are not oval on the petioles, but round, coin-shaped, with a delicate whitish-green color. The plant takes excellent cuttings and creates a spectacular cascade or a continuous, very elegant mat.
kaiyanwong223 Charming plant - Pilea Lebanese (pilea libanensis). Graceful drooping shoots, crowned with round leaves not along the entire length, are reminiscent of the jungle, only in mini format. But the main decoration of the pilea is its silvery, rounded leaves, which seem like weightless confetti.
Karl Gercens One of the most spectacular views - Pilea adpressed (pilea depressa). Her shoots also droop beautifully; the bushes themselves seem flattened, squat and curly.
Jane Young Small bushes about 25 cm high with creeping shoots and rounded leaves form Pilea repens (pilea repens) with glossy leaves up to 2.5 cm long and copper “fluff”.
Krzysztof Ziarnek Today, hybrid Pileas are very popular, the main trump card of which is considered to be color - Pilea Bronze and Pilea Silver Tree. Perennials about 30 cm high with oval, opposite leaves up to 7 cm long with a strongly pointed tip and wrinkled surface, flaunt the dark, blackish color of the plates and silver or bronze stripes located between the veins.
Pilea can be called one of the most unpretentious indoor beauties with attractive leaves. It is not afraid of short-term drought and unstable care, and allows you to build a more flexible schedule for caring for indoor crops. She will not forgive serious mistakes, but she almost does not notice accidental mistakes. It can be grown both as a classic indoor plant and as an ampel, equally effective in hanging plant pots, tall pots or on various stands.
Pileas of all types do well in any lighting from bright locations to medium partial shade. The greatest decorative effect is always achieved in diffused but bright lighting, with reliable protection from direct sunlight (hybrid varieties are especially light-sensitive). In winter, it is advisable to compensate for the seasonal reduction in lighting and move the pilea to a brighter place (if conditions are not corrected, the plant may lose its characteristic leaf color).
The ideal place in the house for this culture is considered to be eastern and western window sills or a place in the interior near the southern windows. Pilea grows well not only in ordinary living rooms, but also in the kitchen and bathroom, because its compact size and attractiveness fit perfectly into the design of these special functional areas.
Randy J. Pileas prefer cool conditions. This plant is most comfortable at an air temperature of 15 to 18 degrees; in winter it can be kept in the range of 10 to 12 degrees. When kept in normal room conditions, the air humidity should be increased. But the maximum permissible temperature for this plant, even p and compensation for care, is better limited to 25 degrees. If the Pilea is grown in room temperatures rather than cool temperatures, winter lows should be limited to 16 degrees for all Pileas, except for the Cadier Pilea, which can overwinter at 15 degrees Celsius, and the Pilea wrapped, which cannot tolerate temperatures dropping below 18 degrees. Lower temperatures are only acceptable if kept cool the rest of the year. In winter, any drafts are dangerous for Pilea; the plant must be protected from air currents.
In summer, Pileas will not refuse to move into open air. Plants can even be planted in containers and stone flower beds in the garden, carefully protecting them from the sun and providing a semi-shaded location.
One of the main advantages of Pilea is its ability to grow even in unstable humidity conditions. This crop will easily forgive you short-term drought, but will not tolerate long pauses between waterings or overzealous procedures. Pilea does not tolerate not only waterlogging and dampness, but also stable average humidity. To succeed in growing this plant, you need to let the soil in the containers dry completely between procedures in the top layer, leaving only the substrate slightly damp at a significant depth. It is better to drain the water from the pallets immediately. Overmoistening is especially dangerous in winter, when the slightest miscalculations affect the decorative appearance of the leaves. For Pilea, it is better to use a strategy with more frequent, but modest in the amount of water, procedures than rare heavy watering.
hopefulauthor The need to increase air humidity for this plant arises only when kept in very warm conditions. If you do not grow Pilea in a cool place throughout the year, then the air humidity will have to be increased both in the summer and during the operation of heating systems. At the same time, the process of air humidification itself is specific. Pileas do not tolerate spraying or the accumulation of even microscopic moisture on wrinkled leaves. Therefore, for the beautiful Pilea, they use either special humidifiers, or place containers with moss and expanded clay, water, and place the plants on trays with home humidifiers (naturally, the bottom of the pots with Pilea should not touch the water).
Pileas need feeding throughout the year. Even when the active growing season ends, the plant does not enter the stage of complete dormancy, and in order to maintain the attractiveness of the leaves, prevent the shoots from stretching and the bushes falling apart, the supply of nutrients in the soil should be regularly replenished. In winter, Pilea is fed once a month, from spring to mid-autumn - 2 times a month. For Pilea, it is better to use either universal fertilizers or mixtures for ornamental foliage plants, applying them in the standard dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
Iva Pileas degenerate quite quickly. The bushes lose their compactness, stretch out, and the bare bases of the stems gradually increase, causing the pilea to lose its compactness and attractiveness. Most often, it is recommended to constantly renew the Pilea annually, replacing it with a new plant grown from cuttings of an old one at the traditional time. But it is not at all necessary to update every year. Focus on the appearance of your pilea and carry out rejuvenation when the bushes lose their attractiveness.
Pilea transplantation is carried out at any time in the first half of the year, from early spring to mid-summer. During transplantation, if necessary, the bushes are divided, and drainage is placed at the bottom to a height of about 1/3 of the container itself. Before transplanting, the plant is pruned and the ends of all shoots are pinched to maintain the compactness and beauty of the mat of luxurious leaves. This pinching will avoid the need to annually update and replace the pilea.
This plant needs humus, high-quality soil with a loose texture and a pH of about 5.5-6.0. The optimal solution is considered to be either a mixture for decorative foliage plants from among purchased substrates, or soil prepared from equal parts of humus and leaf soil with half the parts of peat and sand. Pilea can be grown both hydroponically and in vessels with automatic watering.
Palm Room It is better to select containers for these plants carefully. The compact root system and modest size of the plants themselves require the selection of flowerpots and pots no more than 10 cm deep or decorative trays and unusual vessels. For Pilea, whose main focus is on the luxury of leaves, it is imperative to choose decorative, attractive containers that fit well into the interior.
Pileas could be called invulnerable indoor plants, but under uncomfortable conditions, high temperatures or low air humidity, they are extremely susceptible to thrips, spider mites, and scale insects. It is especially difficult to notice pests on small-leaved and moss pilea, in which traces of damage appear after the plant is almost depleted. The fight needs to start as early as possible, not only by adjusting the conditions, but also by actively using insecticides.
Common problems in growing Pilea:
Forest & Kim Starr This plant is more than easy to propagate from apical cuttings. If you cut off the tops of thin shoots up to 10 cm long with 2-3 pairs of leaves and simply put them in water, dig them in the sand or plant them 5-6 pieces in a suitable substrate in a small pot, then the pilea will quickly take root and create charming bushes in amazing deadlines. Cuttings can be carried out literally throughout the year, even in winter. After rooting, the plants are gradually accustomed to normal conditions, first by placing them in a more shaded and cooler place for 1-2 weeks, and only then moving them to their usual location.
Only some pili forks, for example, the wrapped one, are propagated by seeds. Seeds rarely ripen indoors, but are sometimes found on sale. The seeds are germinated under standard conditions - warm, under a hood, lightly covered with substrate. Dry air and waterlogging are very dangerous for young seedlings.
Pilea is a flower of the nettle family. Its homeland can be called the tropical zone, because it grows everywhere in this climate. There are both annual and perennial flower species. The height of the pilea reaches 40 cm. It grows quickly, which is why it is widely used in floristry.
Pilea is small in color, usually blooms in clusters, and the flower is unisexual. An interesting process of fruit propagation. They are connected to the plant so that after ripening, the sterile stamens holding the fruit straighten and the fruits fly a very long distance.
Or Pilea silvera - the plant is tall - up to 40 cm. The leaves are oval, elongated, large. This flower is called "silver" due to the two silvery stripes running along the leaf.
- People also call it mossy. Perennial species, up to 15 cm high. It branches and resembles a fern. The leaves are small, oval. Small flowers appear in the axils of the leaves. If you touch a flower in summer, it will release a cloud of dust.
- a perennial that has long shoots climbing along the ground. The leaves are oval, light green in color.
is a flower that forms bushes up to 30 cm high. The leaves are long, with a brown color along the veins. With its help, hybrid varieties are often obtained.
- the rounded leaves of the plant are placed opposite each other. The color ranges from silver to bronze.
Norfolk - This is a perennial variety, the young shoots of which grow straight, and the old shoots creep to the ground. The leaves are mossy, green with reddish veins.
Ellen - This is an indoor Pilea. Attracts with its unusual olive-silver color of leaves.
- also an indoor variety. The leaves of this plant are bright green, covered with wrinkles, and have purple veins.
It has a very coarse stem. The leaves of this species are round in shape.
— bushes of this species reach 20 cm in height. The leaves are small, glossy, and have an interesting color - they are green with a copper tint on top and purple below.
Now we list some features of caring for Pilea:
The temperature suitable for the flower is 25°C, at any time of the year. In winter, the temperature can drop to 18°C, but not lower. Pilea kidiera can withstand 15°C, and peperomyoid even 10°C, but this only applies to these two species.
Pilea loves high humidity, it is not for nothing that it came to us from the tropics. It is not advisable to spray the flower, as then it will not be so beautiful. It is better to lower the pilea pot into a container with raw pebbles or place a container of liquid next to the flower.
Water the plant with settled water, waiting until the top layer of soil dries. It is better to dry out the flower a little than to overwater it.
Caring for Pilea at home involves the use of fertilizers. It is advisable to fertilize weekly during the spring-summer period. In winter and autumn, reduce the procedure to once a month. You can use regular flower fertilizer and dilute it as indicated in the instructions.
To improve the decorative properties of the Pilea, it needs to be pruned annually. Also, to make the bush more luxuriant, it is necessary to pluck the shoots.
The flower needs to be replanted every year. It is best to use a humus substrate that is neutral in acidity. You can take a share of humus, peat, sand and turf soil.
Replanting should be done in shallow pots, because the roots of this flower grow along the top. Also, do not forget to provide drainage to the pilea.
Propagation by seeds follows the usual rules and has no special requirements, especially considering that some varieties are propagated in this way without outside intervention.
Pilea can be propagated using cuttings at any time of the year.
You need to place them in water or sand for roots to appear. Then, the cuttings are placed in shallow pots with soil from greenhouse and deciduous soil, as well as sand, you need to take a share of everything.
Beginner flower growers can recommend an unpretentious and beautiful plant - Pilea. Care at home comes down to watering, maintaining high humidity and regular feeding. She doesn't require special attention. You will find all the intricacies of growing Pilea in this article.
Under natural conditions it grows in a tropical climate. As a houseplant, Pilea is widely used by beginning and experienced gardeners. It is low - within 40 cm. The plants are compact with straight, branched or creeping stems. Decorative leaves are round or elongated, opposite, pubescent or smooth. The leaf size is from 3 mm to 10 cm.
Blooms in summer. In the leaf axils, inflorescences in the form of brushes with very small flowers of a delicate green, pink or yellow hue are formed. The leaves give the plant its main decorative effect. Flowers contain a lot of pollen. At the slightest touch to them, it rises in the form of a small cloud. The fruit is a small seed capsule. After the seeds ripen, the long stamens straighten and scatter them in different directions.
As an indoor flower, Pilea is known for its diversity - in total there are more than 400 varieties. The most popular are the following.
Interesting! Pileas fit beautifully into compositions with other indoor flowers. They are planted in one pot or container. The flower perfectly complements small-leaved ferns, peperomia, and fittonia. The combination of plants is made taking into account the characteristics of care.
Pilea is unpretentious and does not require much attention. It responds to increased care with rapid growth and increased decorativeness.
Advice! In winter, it is advisable to organize additional artificial lighting. Use fluorescent lamps. With a lack of light in winter, the leaves lose their brightness, as a result of which the decorative appearance of the plant suffers.
Flower growers use only two methods of propagation - seeds and apical cuttings.
Advice! Cuttings can be rooted in water. After the roots appear, the cuttings are planted in a sand-peat mixture.
When maintaining the recommended air and soil humidity and temperature, Pileas rarely get sick. Among the pests that are dangerous for them are mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and thrips. When they appear, they are treated with insecticides and anticoccidal drugs. The following problems may occur:
Pilea is attractive due to its variety of species. By combining it with other plants, you can create uniquely beautiful compositions.
Pilea belongs to the Nettle family. This annual or perennial herbaceous plant (less commonly a shrub) is common in tropical forests in both hemispheres, excluding Australia. The name pilea comes from the Latin word pileus, which means “hat” or “cap,” because one of the tepals in most types of pilea resembles a hood in shape. Pilea can also be used as an hanging plant; it adapts perfectly to home conditions.
Pilea is sometimes called the "artillery tree" because its flowers release a cloud of pollen when they bloom. Pilea is native to the humid tropics of Southeast Asia.
About 400 species of Pilea can be found in nature. Many of these species are suitable for growing indoors, including Pilea Cadieux, Pilea parvifolia, Pilea involucres, Pilea peperomioides, Pilea lebanese and Pilea compressa. Pilea is a versatile plant; it can be used both as a hanging flower in a flower pot and as a regular flower in a pot. Many species are distinguished by rather disorderly growth, so young shoots must be pinched and grown shoots trimmed.
Pilea cadieri is a bushy herbaceous plant. Its stems are straight, flexible, thin, reaching a height of 40 cm. Young shoots first stand upright, then bend under their own weight and take on an ampelous shape. The leaves are oval, pointed at the ends, up to 5 cm wide and reach a length of 10 cm. They are dark green with silver spots over the entire surface, light green below.
Because of its unusual color, the Germans nicknamed it “silver pilea”, and the British called it “aluminum plant”. The flowers of this species are small and inexpressive white-greenish in color. The dwarf version of Cadieu's Pilea - "Minima" - is popular among gardeners. Its height does not exceed 10 cm.
Pictured is small-leaved Pilea
Small-leaved Pilea (Pilea microphylla) is a perennial herbaceous plant. This species is low-growing and reaches a maximum of 15 cm in height with highly branching spreading shoots. The leaves grow densely on the shoots, they are quite small (up to 0.5 cm), round, light green in color, convex on top. The curved branches resemble the shape of a fern. The flowers are small, collected in the axils of the leaves in small shields. It is this species that emits a cloud of pollen when touched in the summer.
Pilea involucrata is a bush-type plant with erect stems. It reaches a height of up to 30 cm. The leaves are tuberous, oval in shape with pointed ends. The color of the leaves is light green with brown veins. This species is the source for many hybrid forms, including Pilea repens.
Peperomoides Pilea (Pilea peperomoides) is a bushy plant reaching 45 in height. The leaves are held by long cuttings, which, when growing, bend under the weight of the leaves. The color of the leaves is slightly spotted green, round in shape, diameter about 7 cm.
Lebanese Pilea (Pilea libanensis) is a rather unpretentious hanging plant with long brown shoots. They produce oppositely arranged leaves, the length of which is no more than 1 cm. The color of the leaves is silver-green above and green below. It is better to plant several cuttings of Pilea Lebanese in one pot to make it lush.
Pilea depressa is very similar to Pilea coinifolia. The main difference is the size of the leaves; in Pilea compressed it does not exceed 6 mm. This is a groundcover, creeping species. As it grows, it forms a mat, completely covering the ground. The leaf color is light green. A very unpretentious plant, it can survive low temperatures in winter (up to 8 degrees).
Pilea is a plant that does not require constant care.
Pilea is a fairly unpretentious plant that is easy to care for at home. That is why it is very popular among novice gardeners.
At home, Pilea prefers light, semi-shady places. Direct sunlight is undesirable for it, so if it is not possible to place the pilea near a western or eastern window, then during hot sunny hours it must be removed from the window. With the beginning of warm days, the pilea can be taken out into the open air: a balcony, loggia or dacha. But remember that bright light is harmful to the pilea. In winter, it is necessary to ensure sufficient lighting, perhaps using artificial light for several hours a day.
Pilea prefers temperatures up to 25 degrees. It is undesirable for most species to lower the temperature below 20 degrees. Drafts are also contraindicated for Pilea, especially in winter.
Pilea needs to be watered as needed, as soon as the soil on top has dried out, the plant needs to be watered
You can determine the frequency of watering by looking at the soil in which the Pilea grows. If the top layer has dried slightly, then the time has come. In winter, it is worth waiting 1-2 days before watering when the soil is dry. Pilea will tolerate drought better than overwatering. When the soil is waterlogged, especially in winter, the leaves may begin to turn pale and wither. It is better to take soft, settled water at room temperature for irrigation.
The plant loves high humidity, but do not spray it, as this can harm the leaves. It is better to place the pot in trays with expanded clay or sand that are filled with water. In this case, the bottom of the pot should not touch the water. You can also place containers with wet moss and sand or water near the plant.
Pilea prefers humus soil. You can purchase ready-made mixtures, or you can mix yourself one part of sand and peat soil and two parts of leaf and humus soil. Be sure to use drainage. Pilea also grows well hydroponically.
Feeding is carried out once a week in summer, once a month in winter. Liquid fertilizer for decorative indoor plants is suitable for this purpose.
It is best to replant Pilea in spring or summer.
Pileas can be replanted annually; it is best to do this in spring or summer. These plants do not need deep pots, as their root system is quite compact. Pots up to 10 cm deep or pallets are ideal. Since Pilea is a plant with disorderly growth, during replanting, young shoots must be plucked and old shoots cut off. You can grow a new flower from the cut shoots. Pilea propagates by seeds or cuttings.
To propagate by cuttings, it is necessary to cut cuttings from old shoots. Their length should be 8-10 cm. It is necessary to rid them of leaves, and then plant them in a pot with sand or loose soil. The pot must be covered with a bag, but so that the cuttings do not touch it, and put in a warm place. After the cuttings will take root, the bag can be removed, and after about a week the pilea can be transplanted into a permanent pot. To obtain a more lush plant, you can plant several cuttings in a pot.
Some species are capable of producing seeds and reproducing by self-sowing.
We recommend watching the video for more details on how to replant Pilea.
Leaves shrink at the Pilea due to high or low room temperature
The main pests include mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites and thrips. Spider mites, like thrips, appear when the air is too dry. If pests are detected, the plant must be washed under hot water, dried well and treated with insecticides. Sometimes it is not easy to detect an infection right away due to the bright color of the pilea, so it is recommended to carefully inspect the plant regularly.
Possible problems when growing Pilea include:
Pilea is a deciduous perennial plant that belongs to the Nettle family. It is highly valued by flower growers for its variety of species, unpretentiousness and attractive appearance. Depending on the species, the plant may be a shrub, subshrub, or herb. If small-leaved Pilea is properly cared for at home, it will respond with rapid growth and an abundance of flowers.
Pilea coinifolia (or Japanese dollar) is on the list of the most popular species of this plant. In its natural environment, the flower grows in the tropical forests of South America, which fully explains the peculiarities of care. This pilea needs shade and plenty of moisture.
Pilea monetifolia flower
This perennial plant is classified as a ground cover. You can recognize it by its creeping stems, on which there are rounded leaves with small petioles. The flower got its name from the visual resemblance of its leaves to coins. Their diameter can vary and reach 1 cm. The upper part of the leaves is bright green, and the lower part is purple-red.
Another plant with creeping, drooping branches is Pilea parvifolia. There are a large number of small leaves on the succulent, highly branched shoots. Their sizes most often reach 0.3-0.5 cm.
The oval leaves are light green and have a slight convexity. Their surface is smooth and glossy, which makes the openwork bush even more attractive.
For your information! This flower is often used for cascading design and combination with tall flowers with erect stems.
This is an indoor plant. It has a bushy structure, but rarely exceeds 25 cm in height. The succulent stems of the flower are dark purple. The leaves of the indoor Pilea flower are opposite. They are characterized by an oblong shape and can reach a length of 2.5 cm. The edge of the leaf has an uneven wavy pattern.
As for the color of the leaves of the creeping Pilea, it is somewhat different from the color of the previously named species. The upper surface of the leaf is painted in a dark green-brown tint with a slight copper tint. The leaves are completely purple underneath. The veins are clearly defined, so the surface of the sheet resembles a quilt.
Pilea repens
This variety has several names: Silver, Cadiere or Cadiera. This flower belongs to bushy plants with erect, highly branched stems, the average height of which reaches 40 cm.
The oval leaves can grow up to 20 cm in length and up to 5 cm in width. Their edges are slightly wavy and the tip is strongly pointed. The leaf plate is smooth and slightly glossy to the touch.
Note! Flower growers are attracted to Kadiera by its unusual color: on the dark green leaf there are two wide intermittent stripes of silver color. It is thanks to this feature that the flower received the name Pilea Silver, which means “silver” in English.
Pilea Silver
This variety belongs to ampelous plants. Brown shoots of the Lebanese pilea spread along the ground and create a dense carpet. Egg-shaped leaves grow on the shoots in large numbers. Their upper surface is painted silver-green, and their lower surface is bright green.
Pilea Lebanese
The advantage of Pilea as an indoor flower is its unpretentiousness. Regardless of the type, the plant takes root well in almost any apartment. It can be grown in a flower pot, on a stand or in a hanging planter. Serious errors in care can lead to the death of the flower, however, minor discrepancies with the recommendations will not affect its appearance and active growth.
Good lighting is one of the basic requirements for keeping flowers alive. Pilea loves bright light, but it should be diffused. Direct ultraviolet rays can be harmful to it. The best place to place it in the house will be windows facing west or east.
In the warm season, the pot can be taken outside, but you need to make sure that this place is shaded. In winter, if there is a lack of light, it is recommended to turn on additional lighting. Otherwise, the leaves may change color to a darker one.
In city apartments, approximately the same air temperature is maintained all year round, so the heat-loving pilea actively grows and blooms even in winter. The optimal temperature for it is considered to be 25°C. There are exceptions, for example, small-leaved Pileas, for which the air temperature can be lowered to 10-15°C.
Important! Drafts are strictly not recommended for these shrubs and herbs, especially in the cold season.
Strict control over air humidity levels is not required. The air in apartments is quite suitable for the life of flowers. An exception is the summer heat in regions with low humidity. To avoid drying out, green spaces must be moistened. You can do this in several ways:
When watering, you should adhere to the following principle: soil moisture should be below average. All types of these shrubs and grasses tolerate mild drought well. The frequency of watering largely depends on the rate of drying of the soil.
Important! It is necessary to water after the soil in the pot has dried. All water that has accumulated in the pan must be poured out immediately.
Rapid growth of branches can lead to the fact that without regular pruning the bush will lose its decorative qualities and turn into a lump of tangled shoots. Pruning is carried out regularly as the branches grow. Cuttings can be used for subsequent planting.
Note! Pruning is also used in cases where the flower grows long branches. After pinching the tops, the plant becomes bushier and more lush.
The peculiarity of all types of pilea is that they quickly degenerate. Over time, the shoots become long, and there are fewer leaves on them. This leads to loss of attractiveness of the bush. To avoid this, during the next pinching, the cut parts must be rooted and used to grow new shoots. Thanks to this approach, the plant will renew itself imperceptibly.
All species of this crop reproduce in two ways.
Some diseases of these green spaces occur due to improper care.
You can solve this or that problem if you care for the flower taking into account all the recommendations.
Pests that are dangerous to the plant are spider mites, thrips and scale insects.
Important! A condition in which only the lower leaves of a flower fall off is considered normal.
Taking into account all the above-mentioned care features, all varieties of Pilea are often recommended for beginning gardeners, as well as those people who cannot devote much time to caring for green spaces.
