About
Pilea cadierei, the aluminium plant, is a bushy, evergreen perennial to 30 cm with obovate leaves marked with distinctive silver patches between the veins. Flowers are insignificant and not generously borne. An excellent and easy-care plant for a terrarium, bottle garden or warm conservatory.
About the genus
Pilea can be annuals or evergreen perennials with slightly succulent stems, simple, often attractively marked or textured leaves and insignificant, pinkish flowers. Popular as houseplants, conservatory plants and terrarium specimens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical
Native toChina, Vietnam
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass or in frost-free enviroment. Requires high humidity, branches become woody at base. See Pilea and houseplant cultivation for further advice. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by stem tip cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free