Pilea cadierei

Pilea cadierei, more commonly referred to as the aluminum plant, is a flowering herbaceous perennial native to parts of China and Vietnam.  Prized for their raised silver-splotched, dark green foliage, aluminum plants' leaves are large and tear-shaped, with an elegant, painted aesthetic.  Clusters of thin, mottled green, brown, and yellow stems grow vertically, with reddish protruding extensions carrying the more mature foliage as the bushy plant grows in height.  Aluminum plants also produce simple, petite, creamy-white blooms in clusters on flower spikes, but they should be clipped as soon as they appear to reserve the plants' energy for the foliage. Tolerant of wet soil, aluminum plants make great landscaping border plants around ponds in warm climates with mild winters.  However, these are not aquatic plants, though they may be advertised as such, and they do not survive long if potted in water or aquariums.  

Provide aluminum plants with a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight when kept indoors or is shaded from the midday sun if planted outdoors.  Rich soils that have a goldilocks ratio of drainage to moisture retention are essential to growing potted aluminum plants, and procuring a brand name soil labeled for moisture control is highly recommended.  During the growing season, water aluminum plants whenever the top 0.25 in / 1 cm of soil has dried out to maintain an evenly moist soil.  Additionally, occasional misting or a humidity pebble tray can help keep the plant in good health, especially when watering less frequently in the winter months.  Feed aluminum plants with a monthly application of water-soluble 5-5-5 fertilizer during the growing season and stop at the approach of winter.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Pilea Cadierei

Pilea cadierei

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Ornamental

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