Skip to main content

Pilea Peperomioides, or Chinese money plants, are popular among houseplant hobbyists for many reasons. This easy-to-grow houseplant is part of the Urticaceae family and needs very little care to thrive. It is a low-maintenance plant with attractive, round, green leaves and produces small, off-white flowers. The plant’s low-maintenance nature and attractive appearance make it an ideal choice for those who want to add greenery to their home without having to put in too much effort. It is important to know when and how to repot pilea though. In this article, we’ll explore the process of repotting a Chinese money plant.

When to repot pilea

Knowing when you should repot your Chinese money plant is a critical element to this process. If you opt to repot pilea too early, it can cause unnecessary shock and damage to your plant. If you wait too long, you may cause damage to your plant. These are the signs it’s time to repot your Chinese money plant:

  • The roots are growing out of the drainage holes in the pot.
  • The pot feels light when you lift it.
  • The plant is wilting despite regular watering.
  • The soil is no longer moist after watering.
  • The soil is breaking down and becoming powdery.
  • The leaves are yellowing or dropping off.
  • The roots are appearing above the soil surface.

How to repot a Chinese money plant

Repotting a Chinese money plant gives you the opportunity to provide it with fresh, nutrient-dense soil. This will provide your plant with the nutrition it needs to thrive. Repotting your plant into a larger pot gives you the opportunity to increase drainage. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, so increasing the drainage can help ensure your plant stays healthy.

Repotting your Chinese money plant will give it more room to grow, and with a larger pot, it will be easier to water, prune, and fertilize your plant. This will help ensure that it can reach its full potential. Repotting is simple:

  1. Gently remove the Chinese money plant from its pot. Use your hands to very carefully loosen any roots that are bound together.
  2. Fill the new pot about a third full with fresh, well-draining potting soil. The new pot should be about 30% larger than the current pot.
  3. Place the Chinese money plant in the center of the pot and fill the rest of the pot with more soil, leaving two inches of space at the top.
  4. Firmly pat down the soil around the plant to make sure it is secure.
  5. Water the plant thoroughly and allow it to drain.
  6. Place the pot in an area of indirect sunlight and water regularly. Ideally, place your plant back in the exact same spot it was before.

Aftercare

If you’ve followed the above steps for repotting a Chinese money plant, chances are, you won’t experience any issues with the plan’s health. It may experience some shock in the form of drooping leaves, but this shock should pass relatively quickly. Things you’ll want to make sure are dialed in after you’ve transplanted your pilea:

  • Water: water your Pilea thoroughly, allowing the soil to become completely saturated and then allowing it to drain fully before putting it back in its pot. Water when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry.
  • Light: Pilea prefers bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate medium light. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch its leaves.
  • Temperature: Pilea prefers temperatures between 65-75°F.
  • Fertilizer: Feed your Pilea with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  • Pruning: Prune off any dead or wilted leaves. This will help the plant stay healthy and strong.
  • Humidity: Pilea likes high humidity, so mist regularly or use a humidifier if you can.