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Pilea peperomioides

Common name: Chinese money plant · Pancake plant · UFO plant

Pilea peperomioides is an evergreen perennial native to the mountains of Yunnan, China. Its round, coin-shaped leaves on long petioles give it a striking sculptural look, and its habit of producing abundant baby plants at the base made it a favorite for sharing among friends.

Fun facts

  • It spread across Scandinavia in the 1940s after Norwegian missionary Agnar Espegren brought cuttings home from China.
  • It is nicknamed the "pass-it-on plant" because it was shared almost entirely as cuttings between friends rather than sold.
  • It remained unidentified by Western botanists for decades before being formally described in 1984.
  • Offsets, or "pups," sprout from the roots at the base and can be snipped off to start new plants.

Care summary

Sun Bright indirect light
Water Water when the top few cm of soil dry out
Soil Well-draining potting mix with perlite
Hardiness Zones 10–12
Mature height Up to 30 cm (12 in)
Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty Easy
Propagation The easiest method is separating the baby plantlets (pups) that sprout from the base or stem; cut one off with a bit of root attached and pot it in moist, well-draining mix. Stem cuttings with a few leaves also root in water or soil within a few weeks.

Make your own Chinese money plant · Pancake plant · UFO plant profile

Common problems

    • Let soil dry partially between waterings
    • Use pot with drainage holes
    • Repot into fresh loose mix
    • Rotate pot weekly for even growth
    • Move closer to bright indirect light
    • Check watering habits first
    • Feed lightly during growing season
    • Move away from harsh direct sun
    • Check for pests on leaf undersides
    • Keep temperatures steady and warm