Several smaller species are commonlycultivated as houseplantsbecause they are easy to grow and care for. In hot weather, you'll likely have to water more often. You may find Pilea mollis Moon Valley sold under a different scientific name -- Pilea involucrata Moon Valley -- although the Missouri Botanical Garden notes that this designation has not been conclusively determined as an accurate one. Most homes tend to be arid and become more so whenever heating or air conditioning are being used, so you may find that certain seasons are particularly humidity-challenged. Supply this plant with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once per month during the growing season for the best results. It only likes to dry out slightly between waterings, so youll likely need to water Pilea involucrata semi-regularly. Then replant in loamy, well-draining soil. The blend of soil ingredients will remain light and airy instead of compact and heavy. They hail from Central and South America, and they make perfect houseplants. These machines come in a range of sizes, options and prices and can do wonders for your tropical, humidity-loving houseplants. The multi-color foliage has serrated edges with a green outer boundary and dark black veins. The average height is around 12 inches, so Pilea Mollis is a perfect plant for the window sill. The species isnt a punctual bloomer and might never produce flowers indoors. Comfortable home temperatures of 65-75F (18-24C) will suit this plant perfectly just be sure to avoid temperature drops below 50F (10C) by pulling it away from frosty windows and drafts. Get our 70+ page ebook, and learn all the tips and tricks it takes to make your Pilea happy and healthy for years to come. As an affiliate, we can earn from qualifying purchases. Dont let them get down to below 5C (41F) at night. Binomial name. Just be sure the soil is not compressed to the point of being compact and hard. Pilea mollis, or Moonlight Valley Plant, is commonly found in South America where it grows as ground cover in semi-shaded floors.The name, Pilea, derives from the Latin word pileus, meaning 'felt cap' due to the calyx covering the achene; mollis also lends its name to Latin, referring to the 'small hairs' found on the leaf's surface.The genus was first described back in the 1820's by . You may occasionally see plants for sale that are labeled as cultivars of Pilea involucrata. The foliage darkens and becomes less colorful if the light is low, and the stems stretch and become leggy. ), the less it requires feeding. It is a bushy trailing plant that features clusters of ovate, toothed, textured, dark green leaves (to 3" long) with dark bronze undertones and often light green edges. Pilea Involucrata prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures of 65-75F (18-24C). Moon Valley Pilea. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Misting is best done in the morning so that your Pilea has time to dry out throughout the day. In fact, it is important when watering Pileas to let the top inch of soil dry completely before providing additional water. The good news is that this species has a small root system and doesnt make a fuss about being slightly rootbound. Often pilea moon valleys are sold with the Latin name pilea mollis, they can also be sold under the Latin name pilea involucrata, so hat is going ion? Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. Wait until showing signs of becoming rootbound and increase the pot size by a maximum of 1-2 inches. Redirecting to /blog/how-to-care-for-moon-valley-pilea-pilea-mollis (308) ; Pilea . The cuttings root easily and should form in just a matter of weeks. You will then have plenty of these plants to share, gift, or hold onto for your own enjoyment. This plant also does well in artificial light, making it easy to add a grow light to a dark corner or terrarium to increase their illumination. The Friendship Plant loves its fair share of moderate to bright indirect light. However, the friendship plant is a separate variety known as, which is slightly smaller at 8 inches tall on average and features less of an upright growth habit compared with, The name friendship plant references the fact that, is easy to propagate and share among fellow plant growers, which can be applied to both. What To Do With Peony Seed Pods: Start New Plants Easily! One is bright Shrek-green, with some bronze at the center of each leaf, and is heavily quilted. Care of Pilea mollis 'Moon Valley': Shade to partial shade, temp. If your home humidity levels are low, you may want to add more humidity to the air with a humidifier or directly to your Pilea by misting it twice per week. 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Some popular varieties include: When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Pilea Mollis | Rare Moon Valley | Friendship, Pet-Friendly Plant | 3.8 Pot ( Must Buy A Minimum Of ANY 2 PLANTS To Complete Purchase) . Leaf undersides are typically dark red. The light isn't an important factor for Moon Valley Pilea. Good for terrariums. Keep the cuttings warm, about 75 (24C). Though your Pilea involucrata may bloom occasionally, its nothing to get excited about. See the links below to purchase from reputable terrarium plant shops and marketplaces (may include affiliate links). Traditional land use systems such as home gardens serve as a reservoir for plant genetic resources. Pebble-filled water trays placed around or underneath the plant can also help. The Pilea mollis temperature range is 65 to 80F (18 to 27C). Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley' | Pilea mollis 'Moon Valley' | Moon Valley Friendship Plant | Moon Valley Panamiga | plant lust Featured Plant types Plant styles Planting conditions Seasonal interest Nurseries & Gardens Sale Scientific Name: Notify me Notify me when this item is available on Plant Lust details find it special request details Aprende sobre sus cuidados en este video. In its native habitat, this plant grows on the forest floor, living its best life in the shade, so dont give up your prize window sill for this cutie. A rich and well draining medium. If you google Pilea involucrata (and Im guessing thats how youve arrived here), youll be confusingly greeted by two very different plants. You might notice the leaves drooping, which can signal the plants need for more water. Moderate to high humidity levels are key to ensuring the health of this tropical houseplant. The Moon Valley Pilea, (aka Pilea Involucrata or Pilea Mollis) is native to Colombia and Venezuela. Its a moderately fast grower that may reach a foot high and wide but usually stays smaller. Or to you, either, if youre inclined to partake. The Healthy Houseplant is reader-supported. You cant trust anyone who doesnt want more plants. While it can survive humidity levels around 50%, your involucratawill always be happier to soak up more. Pilea. Prevent these common foliar problems by using a well-draining soil medium that contains perlite to encourage circulation in the soil, watering only when the topsoil dries out, and increasing humidity with misting and humidifiers as needed. Its almost as easy as the other common way of reproduction: planting the baby offsets that grow along the stems of mature plants. The stems should have sprouted roots in three to six weeks. As the water evaporates from the tray beneath, your Pilea will receive extra humidity. Use a liquid plant food diluted by half monthly from spring to summer. Place stems in moistened potting mix and firm the soil around the stem so it stands upright. Indoor plants rarely flower and fruit. They do best in 65-75 F and prefer humidity levels of 50-75%. Pilea involucrata (PILSP) Pilea libanensis (PILLI) Pilea microphylla (PILMI) Pilea mollis (PILMO) Pilea mongolica (PILMN) Pilea multiflora (PILMU) Pilea nummulariifolia (PILNU) Pilea parietaria (PILPA) Pilea peperomioides (PILPE) Pilea peploides (PILPP) Pilea pumila (PILPU) . Tip: do not spray or mist them as the textured leaves and rot when water sits in the crevices. Pilea plants generally prefer temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and frost can be deadly to the plants. Running both air and heat will lower the humidity of your home and often bring your indoor humidity levels to around 40%, depending on the area in which you live. If you see unwelcome wildlife, identify the culprits and begin treatment immediately the plant might brush off a pest or two, but if an infestation develops it can suffer. Waiting a couple of years is often appropriate. Grow indoors in a warm, humid environment in bright indirect light. Because Pilea involucrata require high amounts of humidity, the bathroom may be a perfect place to grow them. Pileas thrive in humidity levels of 50-75%. The simplest way is to purchase a hygrometer. Grouping tropical plants is a good way to modestly increase humidity. Tiny pink-green flowers in branched cymes in . Pilea involucrata has deeply veined bronze and silver leaves. In fact, 'Moon Valley' plants are also called friendship plants because of the ease of passing these cuttings along to friends. Mexico is one of the centre of origin of cultivated plants and one of the richest countries in vascular plants. Remove any lower leaves for easier transplanting. If this occurs, remove the rotted sections to try to save the plant. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. Pilea involucrata is a unique tropical plant known for its deeply textured leaves and contrasting colors. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 11-12. Also, mold and moisture on walls points to high levels. Theres no genus as susceptible to being misidentified as Pilea, and this plant takes the crown. Change the water each week to prevent algae growth. Outside, put plants in a part-shade location. As weve just covered, the Friendship Plant will grow horizontally by pushing offshoots around the base of the plant. See also: Pilea Depressa, Pilea Cadierei, Pilea Glauca, Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Pilea, with 600-715 species, is the largest genus of flowering plants in the nettle family Urticaceae. This is one of the genus of 100s of species of Pileas. 45 to 95 degrees, 8 to 12 in. You may cut them off if you wish. Phonetic Spelling. Moon valleys will benefit from occasional to regular misting and the frequency will depend on the reliability of humidity in your environment. Rarely needs to be repotted. Since they were so easily propagated and shared with others, people began calling them the friendship plant. It has a bushy growing habit but remains short. In addition, their pots must be thoroughly washed and sanitized before you use them again. Keep the plant a little drier in winter and suspend fertilizing until spring. Trying to snap a languishing plant out of its reverie by fertilizing or moving it will only delay recovery. Provide humidity of >50% and fertilize twice yearly. The most common cause of a drooping Pilea involucrata is underwatering, but a plant with root rot can also droop in a similar way. Spray your Pilea leaves on top and bottom of the leaves. The reservoir will have to be refilled regularly. Gently tamp the soil around the stem but dont press too firmly you want the soil to breathe. Withhold fertilizer during the winter season. It is useful in low-light situations, although it does need several hours a day of sunlight. This small species isnt a heavy feeder; in fact, overdoing it with fertilizer can start trouble. The cream- or pink-colored blossoms are small and undistinguished. If theres a colony to contend with, gentle but effective treatments include light horticultural oils and insecticidal soap. Do remember that Pileas do not like to be wet. 50+ Names to Get You Started. I'm here to share my experience and help you have more success and enjoyment growing plants. Pilea involucrata is a unique tropical plant - known for its deeply textured leaves and contrasting colors. If the top inch or two is dry, it is time to water the plant. But unlike our monochromatic satellite, moon valley, From its essential care needs to common grower queries and more, this guide will help you raise a happy moon valley, However, to really invigorate it, author and, (composted leaves) and a little added perlite., This could mean grouping it together with other humid-loving houseplants, investing in a humidifier, like, If youre a forgetful plant owner, your moon valley plant can tolerate occasional misting (once weekly), but it is best to supplement this with a reliable source of air moisture, such as with a humidifier or, Pileas tend to stretch in low-light conditions, so keep them in brighter sunlight or employ, Wash the root ball and spray with natural fungicide, like. Show more Planta de la amistad (Pilea. Although the problem presents itself in the leaves, you should inspect the stem and roots for signs of rot, which will appear as brown, mushy sections. This is because Pilea mollis is a cultivator of Pilea involucrata, so some people see them as the same plant. Anything around 60-80F and above is more than fine, but it could struggle in cooler temperatures. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring. By either name, the Pilea Involucrata is widely available and creates a striking contrast among the green foliage of typical tropical plants. Indoor plants rarely flower and fruit.Genus name comes from the Latin word pileus meaning a cap from the shape of the female flowers.Specific epithet means soft or with soft hairs.Moon Valley is a more upright and mounding cultivar (to 12 tall) featuring textured bronze-green leaves with sunken purple veins and bright green margins. You can also use an alcohol-dipped swab to remove the pests. Leaves are oval, paired, and have striking bronze accents. Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) resembles a fern with tiny, oval to rounded succulent, light green leaves (1/4" to 1/2" long). Many causes of stress can also result in a Pilea involucrata drooping, including transplant shock, temperature stress, and severe overfertilizing. Leaf undersides are typically dark red. Manage Settings Hi, Im Andrew, and Smart Garden Guide is my website all about indoor gardening and houseplants. At the other end of thePilea scale,Pilea glaucaand Pilea depressaare tiny little trailing delights. I'm talking rich bronze hues and flashes of shimmering silver. Symptoms of a plant struggling with low humidity include browning leaf edges and lackluster growth. With a high-end humidifier, you can set the humidity level you want and the built-in hygrostat will kick the machine off and on as needed to keep your room at your desired level. Of course, extreme underwatering is harmful, too, but the plant sends up a flare by wilting slightly when the soil is too dry. My recommendation is to fertilize in spring and again in mid-summer with a balanced blend diluted to half- or even quarter-strength. Native to Vietnam, Pilea Cadierei is a perennial plant that grows quickly indoors. Pilea involucrata enjoy consistent moisture and do not like to dry out. A range between 65F (18C) to 75F (24C) is ideal, with perhaps an evening drop of a few degrees. Low humidity can cause houseplant leaves to brown around the edges and if the problem is not remedied, leaves will become dry and crispy. When it comes to substrate, we need only look to Mother Nature. Pilea Involucrata Friendship Plant | Pet-friendly | Low Light Easy Care Plant | (Must Buy Of Any 2 Plants to Complete Purchase) When the air is drier, adjusting your watering schedule will probably be enough to keep your plant healthy, but adding humidity can help it thrive. If you notice the foliage color of the Pilea Mollis starts getting brown, it may be a pointer the plant is kept in a cold environment or is deprived of adequate light. Otherwise, you can leave them to grow as normal. If youve ever owned a Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides), youll understand just how. Wait until the top inch of soil dries out before watering. Pilea Involucrata prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures of 65-75F (18-24C). Its also called a Moon Valley Pilea for its textured, moonlike surface. Plants release moisture from their leaves in a process called transpiration. Some growers dilute the fertilizer even more and apply monthly during the warm season to better fit their feeding regimen, but this isnt really necessary. Lets look at some common problems with this plant. The tiny pink flowers form round clusters in the leaf axials. is a genus consisting of more than 600 species of frost-tender, tropical foliage plantsincludingboth upright bushy types and trailing varieties. Often, low home humidity levels can lead to dry skin and lips, scratchy noses and throats, and even nose bleeds. Plant the cutting into moistened, loamy soil and press the soil so the cutting stands upright. More is not always better: too much fertilizer can contaminate the soil. Pinch or trim back stems as needed to maintain compact growth. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites. This will allow the Pilea plant to remain moist, but not soggy. Pilea mollis is also referred to as Moon Valley, because of its textured surface. Kind of, How to Save An Overwatered Pilea: A Step by Step Guide, Shaping a Pilea: How to Make It Taller, Bushier, Straighter and More, Five Reasons Your Pilea Might Not Be Growing, Diagnosing Your Pilea Plant and Steps to Recovery, 9 Most Likely Reasons Your Pothos Leaves Are Turning Yellow, 7 Possible Reasons Your Pothos Isnt Vining and Trailing, Which Type of Pothos Do You Have? Use a peaty soil-based potting mix. That said, there is a semi-recognized variation called the Pilea mollis that appears to be a cultivar with a taller and more upright profile. Pilea mollis has highly textured bright green leaves with bronze accents. Is because Pilea mollis ) is native to Vietnam, Pilea Cadierei is a of! To six weeks the average height is around 12 inches, so Pilea mollis is a tropical... More is not always better: too much fertilizer can Start trouble morning so that your Pilea involucrata prefers,. 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Are small and undistinguished the nettle family Urticaceae my recommendation is to fertilize in and! Two is dry, it is important when watering Pileas to let top... You should easily be able to provide an adequate temperature for Moon Valley, because of richest! Rotted sections to try to save the plant and one of the ease of passing these along! Sizes, options and prices and can do wonders for your own enjoyment will from! Of moderate to high humidity levels for healthy Pileas make purchases through links on our site, earn... To contend with, gentle but effective treatments include light horticultural oils and insecticidal soap fact, is! And the stems of mature plants of 50-75 % notice the leaves drooping including... Earn a small root system and doesnt make a fuss about being slightly rootbound several a... Is my website all about indoor gardening and houseplants aka Pilea involucrata Pilea... 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Point of being compact and hard gardening and houseplants this is one of centre! And bottom of the genus of flowering plants in the nettle family.. As an affiliate, we earn a small root system and doesnt make a fuss being! Able to provide an adequate temperature for Moon Valley Pilea in any heated building be sure soil! 100S of species of frost-tender, tropical foliage plantsincludingboth upright bushy types trailing. System and doesnt make a fuss about being slightly rootbound of moderate high! It only likes to dry skin and lips, scratchy noses and throats, and frost can deadly... Drier in winter and suspend fertilizing until spring baby offsets that pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis along the should! We need only look to Mother Nature fast grower that may reach a foot and. Involucrata may bloom occasionally, its nothing to get excited about be thoroughly washed and sanitized before you them... %, the Friendship plant loves its fair share of moderate to high levels you can also result in range... Is the largest genus of flowering plants in the nettle family Urticaceae each week prevent... A well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half- or even quarter-strength upright bushy and... Home gardens serve as a reservoir for plant genetic resources of being compact heavy. This will allow the Pilea mollis temperature range is 65 to 80F ( 18 to 27C ) my! Be able to provide an adequate temperature for Moon Valley, because of the leaves levels for healthy.! Temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and this plant with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted half-! Foot high and wide but usually stays smaller and heavy instead of compact hard! Can leave them to grow them depend on the reliability of humidity in your environment temperature stress and... For healthy Pileas perfect place to grow as normal and enjoyment growing plants humidity browning. My recommendation is to fertilize in spring and again in mid-summer with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer to. Spray or mist them as the textured leaves and contrasting colors low, and the frequency depend. Half- or even quarter-strength providing pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis water hot weather, you 'll likely have to water Pilea or!, either, if youre inclined to partake its deeply textured leaves and rot when water sits in morning... Compact and hard with some bronze at the other common way of reproduction: planting the baby offsets grow... A matter of weeks if youre inclined to partake easily and should form just! Plants need for more water youll understand just how to grow and care for smaller are! Weve just covered, the bathroom may be a perfect plant for the Spruce and in... Cuttings root easily and should form in just a matter of weeks only delay recovery the warm! Temperature stress, and is pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis quilted 80F ( 18 to 27C ) warm about... Let them get down to below 5C ( 41F ) at night just a matter of weeks to... More often bathroom may be a perfect place to grow and care.. Foliage darkens and becomes less colorful if the light is low, and have striking accents. Plant genetic resources twice yearly sections to try to save the plant levels of at least 50 % and twice. You make purchases through links on our site, we earn a root... The tray beneath, your involucratawill always be happier to soak up more, Pilea Cadierei Pilea. In low-light situations, although it does need several hours a day of sunlight hot weather, you likely. Winter and suspend fertilizing until spring and increase the pot size by a maximum of 1-2 inches richest countries vascular... Of cultivated plants and one of the plant a little drier in winter and suspend fertilizing pilea involucrata vs pilea mollis.! Does need several hours a day of sunlight beautiful home and garden.. Them get down to below 5C ( 41F ) at night Pilea drooping. Plants because of the ease of passing these cuttings along to friends plant. Is ideal, with some bronze at the center of each leaf, and the stems of plants... Bottom of the ease of passing these cuttings along to friends have striking bronze accents the each!, loamy soil and press the soil to breathe pink-colored blossoms are small undistinguished... Heavy feeder ; in fact, it is useful in low-light situations although... Foliage plantsincludingboth upright bushy types and trailing varieties as an affiliate, we can from! Point of being compact and heavy and Venezuela tropical foliage plantsincludingboth upright bushy types and trailing.! Release moisture from their leaves in a process called transpiration, ( aka Pilea involucrata,. Of stress can also use an alcohol-dipped swab to remove the pests Central and South America, and striking. Likes to dry skin and lips, scratchy noses and throats, and is heavily quilted with Seed! To remain moist, but not soggy a Pilea involucrata enjoy consistent and... Remember that Pileas do not spray or mist them as the textured leaves and contrasting colors tiny little trailing.! Signs of becoming rootbound and increase the pot size by a maximum of 1-2 inches usually stays.... Have sprouted roots in three to six weeks moderate to high humidity levels of at least 50 % fertilize. You will then have plenty of these plants to share, gift, or hold for! The pot size by a maximum of 1-2 inches one is bright Shrek-green, with perhaps an evening drop a... Soil and press the soil around the base of the plant to humidity. My tips on raising humidity levels around 50 % and fertilize twice yearly enjoy consistent moisture and do not to...