Species pilea Guide
velvety, crinkled, black-green, ovate leaves with green stalks

pilea

Pilea mollis 'Moon Valley'

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Leaf Cutting,Division,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

11 - 12

Flowers:

Pink-green Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Pilea mollis 'Moon Valley' requires frequent, but light waterings. During the summer months, water this plant type every 1-2 days, allowing the top 1 inch of soil to dry in between waterings. During cooler months, waterings can be reduced to about once a week. Keeping the roots too soggy can cause them to rot, so err on the side of caution! If you aren't sure if your pilea needs water, test the soil with your finger and be sure to feel if it is dry before watering.

sunlight

Pilea mollis 'Moon Valley' plants should be placed in a spot that receives moderate, indirect sunlight. Direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided, as it can be too harsh and lead to leaf burn or scorch. It is best to have this plant receive 3-4 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. If additional light is needed, you can use artificial or grow lights. It is important to remember that not all indirect light is equal, so you may need to experiment to find the hours of light that best suit your particular plant.

pruning

Pileas should be pruned in the early spring or late summer, about once a year. Prune your plant to keep the shape and size you desire. Trim off any yellow, brown, or dead leaves. You can also prune off any stems that you don’t like or any that are crossing over each other, or prune out any of the dead flowers. You should prune your Pilea mollis back no more than 1/3 of the total size, so no major pruning should be done. With proper pruning, your plant should look lush and full.