This Pilea grows in a fountain of miniature, rounded leaves which cascade over the side of the pot; in the wild it forms a carpet of foliage, spreading over ground or tree trunks to cover the space with its spread of tiny, silver-grey leaves. In its native rainforests, it's used to growing on the ground, in shady spots; as a houseplant, therefore, it will appreciate bright but indirect light (so it doesn't get sunburnt!) and a more humid spot just like the place it normally lives. Cuttings of this plant will also do well in a tropical terrarium, where they'll add a sprinkle of colour to your miniature landscape
Scientific Name Pilea glaucophylla (shiny-leafed plant with leaves like felt caps) 'Greyzy'
The current correct scientific name is Pilea multiflora, the name this plant was originally published with in 1852. The name Pilea glaucophylla is also used as a synonym, and was suggested in a 1936 paper.
Common Name Pilea Glauca, Silver Sparkle Pilea, Red Stemmed PIlea, Grey Artillery Plant, Pilea Greysy
Origin Native to Colombia Light Bright, indirect light is best; it is used to being on the forest floor so direct sun can damage its beautiful leaves. Avoid locations that are very dark, though, as it still needs plenty of light to photosynthesise! Water Keep the soil moist, only allowing the top layer to dry out; bottom-watering (soaking the plant in water in a tray rather than pouring into the soil) is good for this plant as it stops the leaves getting too soggy and potentially rotting.
Humidity This plant will appreciate a humid environment, and will benefit from frequent misting, especially if it's in a hanging pot where it's more exposed to movements of heat in a room. Keep an eye out for browning leaf tips, which mean the plant is struggling with low humidity. Soil Use a well-draining soil, with added grit or pumice, to help stop the roots getting too soggy whilst keeping the plant moist. Repot every three years as the plant grows.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.
Temperature Average household temperatures of about 18-24°C are fine- make sure it doesn't drop below 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips You can propagate this plant by using cuttings: take an 8cm-long cutting of healthy leaves from the end of a vine, remove the botom half of the leaves, and pot into soil. If there are already roots growing on the strands, it will propagate even more quickly; this is also a great way to fit this plant into a terrarium!
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.