How to care for your Pilea
Use these instructions to care for a Pilea. This guide will tell you how to water your Pilea, its light, temperature, and humidity preferences, and any additional care your plant might need to help it grow.
Your Pilea will do best in a bright, indirect sunny spot in your home. Even though this plant is part of the succulent family, do not place your Pilea in direct sunlight since it will scorch the leaves. In order to prevent your Pilea from growing lopsided, rotate it at least 2-3 times a week since it grows towards the sun. This plant can adapt to lower light areas, but the leaves will turn a darker green and the plant will spread out more.
Allow the soil to dry between waterings, as Pilea do not like soggy soil. Watch the leaves—when they start looking a tad droopy, it’s time to water your plant. In warmer weather, they need to be watered more frequently.
This plant does not require any extra humidity and does well in a drier environment.
Your Pilea will be happiest in normal household temperatures between 65-75 degrees. However, make sure that your Pilea does not sit near the heating vents in the winter, as it may drop its leaves.
For best results, use a general liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the recommended strength twice during the spring and summer.
If you notice white spots on your Pilea, they are most likely caused by salts and chemicals in your water. If you do not have a filtration system, leaving the tap water in an open container overnight before watering can help remove some of the chlorine and fluoride.
Pilea are generally non-toxic for humans and pets. However, when ingested in very large quantities, they can cause a mild digestive reaction.
Your Pilea Baby Tears will be happiest in medium to bright light. Keep out of the direct sun–it will burn the foliage.
Water your Pilea Baby Tears well, until you see it flowing freely from the drainage holes. Make sure the saucer is free of all excess water. Repeat when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Your Pilea Baby Tears does not require extra humidity, but a generous misting every now and again will be appreciated.
Your Pilea Baby Tears prefers temperatures between 55-80 degrees during the day and should not get colder than 55 degrees at night.
Use a general-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength once a month during the spring and summer. No need to feed your Pilea Baby Tears in the winter, when growth naturally slows. Before applying any form of fertilizer, make sure the soil is damp. Never apply to dry soil.
The Pilea Baby Tears is non-toxic to pets and children.
No additional care is required, this plant is quite care-free!
