Pilea involucrata
friendship plant
A tender, trailing, evergreen perennial to 25cm tall, with heavily textured, toothed, bronze-flushed dark green leaves, sometimes with lighter margins. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Green | |||
| Autumn | Bronze Green | |||
| Winter | Bronze Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Pilea can be annuals or evergreen perennials with slightly succulent stems, simple, often attractively marked or textured leaves and insignificant, pinkish flowers
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- Central and South America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in standard houseplant compost in bright, indirect light, with high humidity and protection from draughts. Water moderately during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid feed every month; water sparingly in winter. See Pilea and houseplant cultivation for further advice. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips to promote bushiness
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.