Growing aluminum plants ( Pilea cadierei ) is easy and will add additional appeal to the home with spiky leaves dotted with metallic silver. Let’s learn more about how to care for a Pilea aluminum plant indoors.
About Pilea indoor plants
Pilea houseplants are members of the Urticaceae family and are found in tropical regions of the world, predominantly Southeast Asia. Most varieties of Pilea have striking silver variegated foliage raised on deep green leaves.
Because growing aluminum plants thrive in a tropical climate, they are generally grown as houseplants in North America, although there are some USDA areas where Pilea houseplants can be used in an outdoor landscape.
These plants are evergreen, bearing a tiny, insignificant flower, and growing 6 to 12 inches tall. They have a sprawling habitat, which can be fostered depending on their supporting structure. In general, Pilea plants are grown in hanging baskets; however, when grown outdoors, they look lovely cascading over a wall or as a ground cover in suitable areas.
Pilea varieties
The artillery plant ( Pilea serpyllacea ) is a popular variety of Pilea grown as a houseplant. Some additional varieties of Pilea useful for its low-growing habitat and lush green-spreading foliage include the following:
- serpyllacea
- nummulariifolia
- depressa
All varieties of Pilea are sensitive to cold and are susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, leaf spots, and stem rot.
Caring for a Pilea aluminum plant
Consider your climate zone when growing aluminum plants. As mentioned, all varieties are tropical plants and as such are truly tolerant of outdoor conditions in USDA zones 9 through 11. Areas of the southern Gulf states and Texas are conducive to growing aluminum plants such as outdoor specimens provided they are protected to a certain degree.
When caring for an aluminum Pilea plant, it should be located where the ambient temperature is 70-75 ° F (20-24 ° C) during the day and 60-70 ° F (16-21 ° C) at night.
During the summer months, Pilea houseplants should be grown in partial shade, and then, during the winter, they should be moved to a well-lit area, such as the southern exposure window space. Caring for the aluminum plant requires keeping the plant away from hot or cold air currents emanating from heaters or air conditioning units.
Aluminum plant care
Aluminum plant care dictates fertilization every five to six weeks during active growth phases. Apply liquid or soluble fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions when caring for an aluminum pilea plant. Apply fertilizer only when Pilea houseplants have moist soil; application, when the soil is dry, can damage the roots.
Caring for a Pilea aluminum plant indoors requires well-drained potting soil and an evenly moistened medium. For the most optimal success, growing aluminum plants, check the plant daily and water as needed when the soil surface appears dry. Take care to remove excess standing water from the saucer and maintain a medium amount of light exposure.
If you want to keep the plant bushy, pinch the growing tips of Pilea houseplants. Also, take cuttings to replace plants when they are too long.
