Pilea Care

Pilea care: Tips for a healthy UFO plant

Thanks to its characteristic round leaves, which appear almost like floating saucers, the Pilea peperomioides is also affectionately nicknamed the "UFO plant." In recent years, the Pilea has gained increasing popularity and is enjoying great popularity as a decorative element in many homes. Pilea care is considered uncomplicated, making it a suitable plant even for beginners.

Location

The Pilea thrives in a bright location with indirect light. If it receives too little light, its otherwise flat, round leaves can take on a concave shape and lose their rich green color. A suitable location is crucial to preserving the UFO plant's characteristic appearance.

Temperature

UFO plants are quite adaptable to their environment: temperatures between 15°C and 20°C are perfectly adequate for them, and they also thrive in occasional fresh air. As far as humidity is concerned, the Pilea thrives in both normal room air and slightly higher humidity levels.

Watering

The Pilea's substrate should be kept evenly moist, neither completely dry out nor permanently wet. Too much or too little water can lead to root rot and leaf loss. It's generally recommended to water the Pilea once or twice a week, depending on the location and time of year.

Care

If you want to care for your Pilea properly, you should not only pay attention to light and water, but also rotate the plant regularly and remove dead leaves. Since the UFO plant orients itself clearly toward the light, this prevents one-sided growth and promotes a compact, harmonious shape.

More UFO plant care tips

Regular checks

Good Pilea care also includes regular inspection of the plant. If the leaves lose color or turn yellow, this could indicate care mistakes such as too much or too little water. Such changes can also be a sign of diseases or pests that have taken hold on the UFO plant. Consistent plant inspections can identify such problems early and save the plant.

Repotting Pilea

If the Pilea's roots are too close together and persistently too moist, root rot can quickly develop and, in the worst case, the plant can die. To prevent this, the Pilea needs sufficient space in the pot. Repotting is therefore always advisable when root growth has increased significantly. Young UFO plants should generally be repotted once a year; later, a repotting interval of three to four years is usually sufficient. Use a slightly larger pot and loose, well-draining soil. This provides the plant with fresh nutrients, more room to develop, and remains healthy and strong.

Fertilizing Pilea

It's recommended to fertilize the Pilea approximately every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and lush green leaves. This is best done with a liquid fertilizer mixed with the watering water. In winter, fertilizer application should be significantly reduced or stopped altogether.

Propagating Pilea

Pilea is particularly easy to propagate from cuttings . To do this, carefully cut small shoots from your UFO plant with a clean knife or scissors during the growing season in spring or summer. The cutting should already have one or two leaves and a short section of stem. The Pilea cutting can then be either planted in potting soil or placed in a glass of water. In either case, it should be placed in a bright location out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, roots will form, and the young Pilea can be repotted.

FAQ on Pilea care

Why do Pilea leaves turn yellow?

When Pilea leaves turn yellow, it usually indicates care mistakes such as overwatering, waterlogging, or a nutrient deficiency. However, a lack of light and an unsuitable location can also be the cause of discolored leaves. Check your Pilea thoroughly, check the soil and roots for moisture, and adjust your care if necessary.

Which location is ideal for the Pilea?

For successful Pilea care, a bright location away from direct midday sun is crucial. Too little light can cause the leaves to curl or lose color. Both are typical reactions of the UFO plant to unfavorable light conditions.

How often does the Pilea need to be watered?

As a rule, watering the Pilea once or twice a week is sufficient, depending on the location and time of year. It's important that the substrate is always slightly moist, but not wet.

How big can a UFO plant grow?

The UFO plant usually remains compact, but with proper care, it can reach a height of 30 to 40 cm. With proper care, sufficient light, nutrients, and regular repotting, it develops particularly vigorously.