All About the Chinese Money Plant

The Chinese Money plant is a well-loved houseplant. It is easy to care for, and its unique look makes it an excellent addition to a houseplant collection. We share everything you need to know to care for this special plant.

About the Chinese Money Plant

As the name indicates, the plant originated in China in the Yunnan province. The Chinese believe the plant brings good luck and fortune to those that own one.

Agnar Espegren brought the plant to Norway from the Yunnan province in 1945. He then shared leaf cuttings from his newfound plant with his friends. It remains one of the most popular plants in the Scandinavian region.

parts of a money plant — Parts of the Money Plant

The money plant goes by several other names around the world. These names include the missionary plant, the pancake plant, the lefse plant, and the UFO plant. Its scientific name is Pilea peperomioides.

When you look at the money plant, you notice that the plant has one main stem and then smaller stems that branch off. The smaller stems are called petioles. The leaf sits on top of the petiole.

How to Care for the Chinese Money Plant

Potting the Money Plant

Your plant needs to be in a pot with a drainage hole for best results. The hole in the pot allows excess water to drain from the soil. If water remains around the roots, root rot sets in, causing the plant to die.

Avoid using terracotta pots for your money plant. These pots are made of clay which causes plants to dry out quickly.

Pilea likes well-drained potting soil. Potting soil containing sand and peat moss is ideal.

Watering the Money Plant

Water your money plant when the soil is almost dry. To tell if your soil is almost dry, insert your finger in the soil to the first knuckle. The dirt should feel slightly damp. Allowing your money plant to dry out completely causes the plant undue stress.

Water until the liquid begins to come out of the drainage hole. Do not let your plant sit in excess water.

Light for the Money Plant

Light for money plant — Leaf with burns from too much sunlight.

Money plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight. The pilea’s leaves burn when it receives direct sunlight. If you notice your money plant getting leggy, it needs more light.

Always rotate your plant every 2-3 weeks. Give it a 1/4 of a turn each time. This rotation creates a plant that is uniform in size.

How to Propogate the Money Plant

Dividing the Money Plant

The money plant produces baby plants called pups or daughters. These daughters make it super easy to divide the money plant.

To divide, remove the whole plant from the pot. Gently, pull the daughter plant from the mother plant. The point is to untangle the roots without damaging them. Once the roots untangle, repot the newly freed plant into its own planter and then water it in.

Water Propagation of the Money Plant

Water propagation of the money plant takes patience and time. Using a sharp knife, cut a small piece of the main stem with a petiole. It is crucial to get a portion of the main stem. Without it, the petiole will not root. Then place the petiole in a jar of water.

The video below shows how to do this.

Now patiently wait for your petiole to develop roots. Once rooting takes place, pot up the new money plant.

Troubleshooting Money Plants

Although the money plant is easy to care for, it does have some tell-tale signs of distress.

Curling Leaves

If you notice the leaves of your money plant curling inward, it may be a sign of not enough water or not enough light. When the leaves curl outward, the plant may be telling you it is getting too much light or water.

Crisp or Browning Leaves

Crisp or browning leaves indicate inconsistent watering. As stated earlier, the browning leaves are also a sign of too much sunlight.

Yellowing Leaves

Older leaves naturally turn yellow and die as new leaves form. If newer leaves turn yellow, make sure you are not overwatering the plant.

Chinese money plants go by many different names across the world. We may not agree on the name, but we certainly agree on the uniqueness of the plant. It is a plant loved by many.