Pilea microphylla ,Artillery Plant

Pilea plants are hardy perennials from Mexico and Brazil, perfect for annual foliage, houseplants, or fairy gardens. They stay green all summer and are great for garden centers and small pots or hanging baskets .

Pilea are herbaceous perennials originally from Mexico and Brazil. Outside of zones 11 and 12 they can be grown as annual foliage, houseplants, or fairy gardens and terrariums. Their evergreen summer toughness makes them a good choice to have on hand through the hot part of the year. YOU will enjoy them in small pots for desks or hanging baskets for porches after their flowering plants have succumbed to the heat.

This plant does best in semi-shade and consistently moist fertile well-drained soils in a humid environment. As a houseplant, provide water when the top 1 inch is dry and fertile monthly from spring to fall.

Pilea Microphylla Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing Pilea microphylla:  

• Plant in loose, well-draining soil.
• Choose a location with bright, indirect sun.
• Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilize lightly during the growing months if desired.

Light

Pilea microphylla does best with part sun conditions. It should receive plenty of bright, indirect light but too much sun will have a detrimental effect on the plant. 

Soil

Plant pilea microphylla in soil that is loose and well-draining. It prefers nutrient-rich soil to support its fast-growth habit. 

Water

The artillery plant has moderate watering needs. It will need to be watered regularly, especially during periods of hot, dry weather. But you shouldn’t oversaturate the soil.

To avoid doing so, ensure that the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch before watering again.

Temperature and Humidity

Pilea microphylla is hardy in USDA zones 11 and 12. This plant requires warm, humid conditions to thrive and will do best in climates that hover between 65 and 85 degrees.

For that reason, it’s sometimes used as a groundcover plant in southern regions of the United States. 

Fertilizer

This plant has a moderate-to-fast growth habit that doesn’t frequently need much encouragement to flourish.

Since it prefers nutrient-rich soil, you may need to fertilize with an organic compost or add a light application of well-balanced liquid or soluble fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season.