About
Pilea peperomioides, the missionary plant, is an upright, evergreen perennial to 30 cm or more with fleshy, rounded, long-stalked, mid-green leaves to 10 cm � resembling a peperomia. Tiny, pale-green flowers are sometimes tinged pink. One of the most popular and fashionable of all houseplants, producing a succession of plantlets at the soil surface.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSW China
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass or in a frost-free environment. Requires high humidity, branches become woody at base. See Pilea and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division or detatch rosettes in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews