How to Grow and Care for Pilea Involucrata (Friendship Plant)

Pilea involucrata, also commonly known as the friendship plant, is known for its textured leaves, deep veining, and metallic flowers such as bronze and silver. It is important to note that this plant is often confused with Pilea mollis, also known as the friendship plant. In this guide, we will specifically discuss Pilea involucrata, which can be recognized by its ovoid shape, opposite pair of leaves, and unique foliage color. This plant is an ideal climbing plant for terrariums and is also a pet-friendly houseplant.

Pilea Involucrata Care

Here are the basic requirements for caring for the cultivation of Pilea involucres:

Pots are planted in soil that is rich in nutrients, but loose and well-drained.
Place in a bright place, away from direct sunlight.
Water regularly, but do not allow the soil to become saturated.
During the growing season, use balanced, moderately concentrated fertilizers.

Light
Pilea plants grow in rainforests where they receive filtered, dappled light but are protected from harsh direct rays. Therefore, do not forget to protect the friendship plant from direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burns. Place it where it will receive indirect light. Kitchen counters with south or west facing windows are suitable.

Earth
Humus-rich, well-drained soil is best. This will help the pilea plant stay moist but not soggy. A mixture of compost, perlite and coir is a great choice as it helps with drainage and doesn’t dry out too quickly. The mixture of soil components will remain light and airy rather than compact and heavy.

Water
Pilea involucra has stable humidity and does not like to dry out. Therefore, water these plants regularly. However, avoid overwatering as this can overwater the soil and cause root rot. To check if your Pilea needs water, simply touch the soil. If the top inch or two is dry, it’s time to water the plant. Allow excess water to drain. During the growing season you will have to water more often. In winter, watering is reduced.

Temperature and humidity
Moderate to high humidity is key to ensuring the health of this tropical houseplant. Humidity around 60 percent or higher is ideal. To do this, you can grow this plant in an aquarium, place it next to a humidifier or on a tray of pebbles, or spray the leaves.

The friendship plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When grown as a houseplant, this is usually not a problem and you do not need to adjust the thermostat to benefit the plant. If you are growing this plant outdoors, be sure to move it indoors if temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizers
Pilea involucra is not picky about fertilizers. For best results, feed this plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Avoid fertilizers for the winter.

Reproduction of Pilea involucratica.
Pilea involucera is extremely easy to propagate, which is the reason for the plant’s common name. Because they are so easy to propagate and share with others, people have started calling them friendship plants.

You can easily create a large collection of these plants and gift them to friends by taking cuttings. To do this, you will need a pot with drainage holes, well-drained soil, plenty of humus, rooting hormone, scissors and a plastic bag. Then follow these instructions:

Planting and replanting Pilea Involucrata
Pilea involucra is quite small in size and has an average growth rate, so it will not need to be replanted often. As they mature, they may need to be replanted every two years, which usually takes three to five years. Repot the plant when the plant has roots and you will notice roots growing through the drainage holes of the pot.

When it comes time to repot your friendship plant, choose a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the current pot. Then carefully remove the pilea from its pot and plant it in a larger container with loamy, better-drained soil. Be sure to bury the tree to the same depth as before to avoid unnecessary stress. Give him some water and care for him as usual.

Common problems with Pilea Involucrata
Provided a suitable environment is provided, Pilea involucrata usually does not present any particular problems. However, this can be problematic if conditions are not ideal. Let’s look at some common problems with this plant.

Leaves have brown edges
Brown leaves on indoor plants are a sign of insufficient humidity. As mentioned, these plants do well in moderate to very high humidity. Therefore, increasing humidity is mandatory. You can do this by placing the plant near a humidifier, placing it on a tray of water and gravel, or misting the leaves. You can also move the plant to an area with more humidity, such as the bathroom, but remember that it needs indirect light.

Leaves are yellow and drooping
Yellow leaves are sometimes a sign of overwatering and can quickly lead to root rot if nothing is done about it. Keep the water on until the soil begins to dry out. If the soil is soggy, you will have to replace it with a better-draining mixture. Although the problem appears in the leaves, you should check the stems and roots for signs of rot, which will appear as brown, soft areas. If this happens, remove the rotten parts to try to save the tree. Then replant in loose, well-drained soil.