The Pilea Peperomioides has collected quite a number of other names over the years. This just goes to show how popular and well-known this incredible plant is! He is pretty insta-famous and on everyone’s wish list.

This stunning houseplant also goes by UFO Plant, Pancake Plant, Lefse Plant, Missionary Plant, Bender Plant, Pass-it-on Plant and Mirror Grass Plant. We particularly like Pancake Plant, although the name does make us slightly hungry!

We’ve often been asked about the meaning behind the nickname ‘Chinese Money Plant’. Well, this particular plant comes all the way from Southwest China. It was originally believed to bring good luck, money and fortune to its owner. Because the large, circular leaves stack on top of each other, they look like coins. This is where the idea of money comes from. So this little charmer does more than just look amazing, it could actually bring you good fortune too! Isn’t that just fab?

We absolutely adore the Chinese Money Plant (also known as Pilea Peperomioides) here at The Little Botanical. With its signature circular leaves and charming presence, it’s no wonder this Insta-famous plant has become a household favourite. But to keep your green friend looking its absolute best, a little TLC goes a long way. Here are our top Chinese Money Plant care tips to help your leafy pal flourish.

Light – Let There Be (Indirect) Sunshine

When it comes to Chinese Money Plant care, getting the light just right is absolutely essential. The Chinese Money Plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight—it loves soaking up gentle light but doesn’t appreciate harsh, direct rays that can scorch those iconic, coin-shaped leaves.

The best spot? Near a large, bright window in a kitchen, bathroom, or living room where it can bask in filtered sunlight all day long. Just be sure to shield it from intense midday sun, especially in the summer months, to keep those glossy leaves looking their absolute best.

If you’ve noticed your Pilea plant not growing as it should or getting leggy and stretched out, low light is often the culprit. When starved of light, your Pilea will reach desperately for the sun, becoming lanky and less lush. To avoid this, rotate your plant regularly to encourage even growth, and keep those round leaves dust-free to maximise light absorption—after all, clean leaves are happy leaves!

Styling tip: place your Pilea Peperomioides in one of our beautiful ceramic pots—choose from soft almond stoneware or elegant grey ceramic—for a botanical look that’s as pretty as it is practical.

Want to create a lush urban jungle? Pair your Pilea with a few larger houseplants for depth and texture that’ll wow your family and friends.

Is Chinese money plant toxic to pets? If you share your home with curious cats or dogs, rejoice—Pilea Peperomioides are pet-friendly! This makes it a perfect choice for pet owners looking for pet-safe plants. Don’t forget to explore our collection of other fabulous pet-friendly plants that will complement your Chinese Money Plant perfectly, creating a green, happy home for all.

Water – The Goldilocks Approach

How often should I water my Pilea? When it comes to the Pilea plant watering schedule, consistency is key. Generally, once a week is just right – but always check first. Use your finger to test the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time for a drink. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days. The Chinese Money Plant doesn’t like soggy soil, and overwatering can be a common cause of problems.

Spotted Chinese Money Plant yellow leaves? Don’t panic – it’s usually a sign of overwatering. Gently remove the yellowing leaves near the base to encourage healthy growth, and allow the soil to dry out a little before watering again. A few yellow leaves here and there are perfectly normal as the plant sheds old foliage.

Top tip: If your Pilea is feeling a bit limp and light when picked up, it’s likely time for a good soak. Water thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drain away—just make sure your plant isn’t sitting in water, as this can lead to dreaded root rot.

Soil – Happy Roots, Happy Plant

Choosing the best soil for Chinese Money Plant care is also key. A well-draining indoor plant mix like the Plantsmith Peat-Free Houseplant Compost will work wonders, as it offers the perfect balance of coconut coir (a by-product of the coconut industry) mixed with slow release Plantsmith nutrients, helping prevent soggy roots and supporting healthy growth.

Pilea plant not growing? During the vibrant Spring and Summer months, it’s the perfect time to encourage strong, healthy growth for your Chinese Money Plant and what better way to help it thrive than by offering a monthly dose of Plantsmith Fortifying Houseplant Tonic. A complete blend of essential nutrients inspired by professional formulations to feed houseplants and promote stronger leaves alongside long-lasting flowers.

Just a heads up—while regular feeding is essential, be careful not to overfeed your Pilea. Too much fertilizer can cause those beautiful round leaves to go soft or limp, which nobody wants! Stick to a gentle, monthly feeding schedule during the growing season, and your Pilea plant will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage.

We also get a lot of questions from you guys about repotting. In general, don’t repot your Pilea until Spring/Summer, when the light levels are better, and the plant is in its growing phase. Pileas quite like a good amount of room so will happily be repotted into a slightly larger growing pot within 9-12 months, if you are seeing good growth. Giving the roots that little bit more room will encourage good growth and bigger coin-shaped leaves. If you want to keep the same, look and feel, once potted, pop the larger growing pot in one of our larger Little Botanical ceramics. Check out our larger pots under accessories.

If you’re still having a few problems with your Chinese Money Plant or are a newbie plant owner and you want to make absolutely sure you’re doing it right, feel free to drop us a message. We love to hear from you, and we’re more than happy to help and answer any questions.

One of the absolute joys of owning a Pilea Peperomioides, aka the Friendship Plant, is how effortlessly it propagates. True to its nickname, this charming houseplant loves producing plenty of adorable baby Pileas—perfect for sharing with friends or growing your own indoor jungle!

As your Chinese Money Plant matures, you’ll start spotting these mini Pileas popping up at the base, each with their signature round leaves. You have two lovely options: keep the babies attached to create a fuller, bushier plant, or carefully snip them off to raise your very own new Pilea plants.

For the best results when propagating your Pilea, use a clean, sharp knife to cut the baby Pilea’s stem about 3cm down into the soil. Then, gently pot it in fresh, well-draining, moist houseplant soil. With plenty of bright, indirect light and a little care, you’ll soon have a thriving new Pilea baby to enjoy—or gift!

If you prefer, you can also propagate your Pilea Peperomioides in water. Simply place the baby plant in a jar of clean water and wait for roots to start growing. Once you see those delicate roots, it’s time to transfer your new plant into soil. Keep in mind that rooting directly in soil tends to be faster, but whichever method you choose, make sure to keep an eye on your little Pilea—young plants can dry out quickly in small pots.

This plant is also known as the ‘Missionary Plant’ because a Swedish missionary brought it to Europe from China in 1946. We’re very grateful for this, otherwise, we might not be able to enjoy this gorgeous plant today.

The large, flat, circular leaves look slightly like pancakes, which is where the Pancake Plant nickname comes from. While we find this very interesting, we’d definitely advise against eating the leaves. They won’t taste as good as they look!

You might have picked up on the fact that we’re really fond of this plant. It’s no secret! We love it most because of the leaf shape, and with its many clever nicknames, what’s not to love about it? And, it doesn’t take up much room, but it doesn’t need to. Those gorgeous green round leaves will add interest and style to your home in any bright room. Moreover, it can help to purify the air around you too.

So, whether you like its best-known name or you prefer to call it UFO Plant (see if you can guess where this name comes from!), this little green gem, is a truly delightful houseplant for everyone to enjoy.