Genus guide
Pilea — 29 species
Part of the Pileas & the nettle family family (Urticaceae)
Pilea is a cheerful genus of compact, fast-growing tropicals loved for bold or intricate foliage. The Chinese money plant sports glossy, coin-shaped leaves; Moon Valley Pilea offers deeply textured, bronze-green surfaces; Aluminum Plant (Watermelon Pilea) flashes silvery markings; and Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine' spills delicate grey-blue leaves. All prefer bright indirect light and moderate watering — let the top inch of soil dry between drinks. According to the ASPCA, Pilea species are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making the whole genus pet-household friendly.
All Pilea species we cover
- Aluminum Plant (Watermelon Pilea)
- Artillery Plant
- Baby Tears (Pilea)
- Chinese money plant
- Friendship Plant
- Moon Valley Pilea
- Pilea 'Dark Mystery'
- Pilea 'Friendship'
- Pilea 'Moon Valley' (Friendship Plant)
- Pilea 'Silver Tree' (Pilea spruceana 'Silver Tree')
- Pilea aquarum
- Pilea cadierei 'Minima'
- Pilea cadierei 'Silver Tree'
- Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine' (Grey Baby Tears)
- Pilea grandifolia
- Pilea involucrata
- Pilea involucrata 'Norfolk'
- Pilea libanensis
- Pilea microphylla 'Variegata'
- Pilea mollis
- Pilea nummuarlifolia 'Bunny Ears'
- Pilea nummulariifolia
- Pilea peperomioides 'Minima'
- Pilea peperomioides 'Mojito'
- Pilea peperomioides 'Sugar'
- Pilea pubescens
- Pilea pubescens 'Silver Cloud'
- Pilea pumila
- Pilea serpyllacea
Pilea — frequently asked questions
Are Pilea plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Pilea are pet-safe. Of the 29 Pilea species we cover, 29 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 0 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Pilea plants need?
Most Pilea do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Pilea easy to care for?
Pilea are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Pilea varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 29 Pilea species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Pilea, the rest follow closely.
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