Pilea Cadierei Aluminum Plant
Pilea Cadierei, aka Aluminum Plant or Aluminum Pilea, is a species of flowering plant in the family Urticaceae found in tropical regions of the world, but predominantly in Southeast Asia. The name Aluminum Plant is inspired by its unique mounds of quilted leaves, covered in sharp silver markings. They have a spreading habit but grow much fuller when their leggy growth is pruned back.
They should not be in a position to see the sun directly, although early morning or late evening sun is fine. Filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain is best and most homes are comprised primarily of indirect sunlight. The best spot for them is where they do not see the sun during the majority of the day but still get bright, indirect light.
They will do well in medium light but will grow faster with brighter light. A good medium-light place in your home would be in the middle of a room that has a regular size window. Remember that plants will grow based on how much light they receive.
They need to be watered when the top half of the soil is dry to the touch. That usually takes about 1 week in an average home environment. It will vary depending on the time of year, your environment and lighting conditions, but it's always safer to underwater or give the soil a check before you water again. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
They will do well in average humidity environments but will appreciate a little bit of humidity if provided, give them a mist daily or get a humidifier.
Allow the soil to dry out more during the winter season. To encourage healthy leaf growth, annual pruning to half of the stem's normal length will allow for fuller growth.
The plant comes with a default nursery pot. The nursery pot is usually 0.5" - 1" smaller than stated to fit into the same size decorative pot. Washable Paper Planter Bags are sold separately.
As with all living things, no two plants are alike. There is some natural variation in size, shape, and characteristics. We make every effort to bring you a plant that as closely as possible matches the plant as it appears on our website, in the size you have chosen, and have a good potential to happily grow in your home.
