Friendship Plant - Pilea involucrata 'Norfolk'

Scientific Name
Pilea involucrata (Plant with leaves like felt caps with wrappers) 'Norfolk'

Common Name
Norfolk Friendship Plant, Angel Wings

Origin
Native to Central and South America

Description
The common name of the Friendship Plant comes from how easy it is to propagate, and through this to share with your friends! This plant's foliage truly stands out; its silvery leaves with bronze-red furrows are eyecatching on any sideboard or shelf. The Pilea Norfolk grows in a bushy shape and can grow up to 10'' high; it will also do well as a terrarium plant, kept smaller to fit. Like its native rainforest environment, this plant thrives best in warm, humid spots; pick a good place for it and watch its foliage grow, as new leaves mature from red to silver and really become showstopping.

Light
Bright, indirect light is best; it is used to being on the forest floor so direct sun can damage its beautiful leaves; a splash of morning or evening sun is fine, especially in winter, but avoid harsher midday sun.

Water
Allow the top third to dry out between waters, and let even more dry in autumn and winter. Don't let the top of the soil stay soggy as this can cause lower leaves to rot.

Humidity
This plant will appreciate a humid environment, and will benefit from frequent misting, especially when near a radiator. Keep an eye out for browning leaf tips, which mean the plant is struggling with low humidity.

Soil
Use a well-draining but moisture retentive soil; repot every couple of years in spring 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
Pilea Norfolk can be susceptible to root rot, so make sure you don't over-water and leave the roots sat in soggy soil. Lower leaves can start to yellow and rot if they sit on soggy soil, so if you see this happening you may need to reduce the frequency of your watering.