Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chinese Money Plant
BeginnerPilea peperomioides
A houseplant hugely popular in Scandinavia with round coin-shaped leaves. Cute form perfect for social media.
About
Pilea peperomioides, the Chinese money plant or UFO plant, is a perennial in the family Urticaceae, native to Yunnan and southern Sichuan provinces in China. Its distinctive coin-shaped, bright green, pancake-like leaves held on slender central stems give it an unmistakable appearance. Introduced to Europe in the 1970s by a Norwegian missionary, it spread widely through cuttings shared between friends before it was formally described botanically — hence its alternative name 'missionary plant'. The plant readily produces offsets (pups) at the base, making propagation and sharing simple, which has earned it the additional nickname 'friendship plant'. It prefers bright indirect light; direct sun can cause yellowing. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. A compact, cheerful, and easy-care plant that has become a perennial favourite among houseplant enthusiasts worldwide.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant grows to 20-40cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in southern China
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
20-40cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Watering, Liquid fertilizer
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Bright indirect light is ideal. Direct sun can yellow the leaves, so place it behind a sheer curtain.
Watering
Water sparingly once the soil has dried. Overwatering causes root rot, so empty the saucer.
Temperature & Overwintering
Keep it indoors in winter so it is never exposed to frost. Dry heater air blowing directly on it damages the leaves, so keep it at a distance.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix and repot one size up once roots fill the pot. Repotting time is the best moment to separate offsets.
Breeding
Produces many offsets and is easy to propagate
Chinese Money Plant FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Chinese Money Plant?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Chinese Money Plant get?
The mature size of Chinese Money Plant is 20-40cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Chinese Money Plant?
Chinese Money Plant: watering & fertilizer — Watering, Liquid fertilizer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Chinese Money Plant?
The price of Chinese Money Plant varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
Growing Specifications
- Hardiness (RHS)
- H1c
Sources: RHS - Pilea peperomioides
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Foliage plant. Confirmed by document review to be non-applicable to CITES Appendix (Flora), designated invasive species, or designated animals (the genus does not appear in the CITES flora section; Dracaena spp. listings in CITES refer to a reptile genus of the same name; the plant Dracaena is not applicable).
Sources: CITES Appendices I/II/III (flora section, grepped via dbca mirror) / CITES Appendices (official) / Ministry of the Environment List of Specified Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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