Once again, an article about money plants by feng shui expert Phung Phuong. In this article, we will learn about Chinese money plant, scientifically known as Pilea peperomioides, which comes from the Yunnan Province in southern China. It’s an evergreen perennial that belongs to the Urticaceae family and is sometimes called the pancake plant, UFO plant, or missionary plant.
What makes this plant cute is its unique appearance. Chinese money plant has coin-shaped, bright green leaves that grow on long, curved stems, giving it a cheerful and changing feel. In feng shui, the circle is associated with wealth and prosperity, which is why Chinese money plant is often considered to attract luck and prosperity.
Taking care of Chinese money plant is very easy, making it an ideal choice for both feng shui practitioners and plant enthusiasts. Alright, now let’s explore with Phung Phuong how to care for and benefits of Chinese money plant!
Meaning of Chinese money plant in Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, Chinese money plant is believed to bring luck and positive energy to any space it inhabits. As you can see, in ancient Feng Shui art, plants play an important role in balancing and harmonizing the flow of energy in our living spaces.
Let me explain to you why Pilea peperomioides is called money tree! It’s because its round leaves resemble coins, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. When placed in your home or office, Chinese money plant is believed to attract abundance, financial success, and good luck.
But it’s not just about money! This plant is also associated with positive vibes and happiness. Its bright green leaves exude a strong sense of life and vitality, which can help bring balance to the energy in your space. In Feng Shui, it’s all about that harmonious flow of chi, or life force, and Pilea peperomioides is a real champ at promoting that.
Furthermore, the symbol of the Pilea plant is also associated with friendship. Because the plant is very easy to propagate, producing many offshoots, people often give away its offspring. This has earned the Pilea plant the nickname of “Friendship plant”.
How to use Chinese money plant to attract luck and wealth
To maximize the money-drawing potential of your Chinese money plant, you’ll want to place it in the southeast corner of your home. This is the “wealth and abundance” area in Feng Shui. The Bagua map divides the areas of a house, office, or room into different energy zones. Placing a plant in the Xun section, which is related to wealth and prosperity, can promote financial stability.
In Feng Shui, the five elements keep things in balance: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. Seeking the proper balance of these elements is an important principle of the practice. Plants belong to the Wood element, which is associated with action, compatibility, energy, growth, and kindness.
But I must remind you that a well-cared-for plant is a happy plant, and a happy plant is more likely to bring you good luck. So make sure it gets plenty of indirect sunlight, is kept bright and watered when the soil dries out, and remember to give it a little spin every now and then so all those beautiful coin-like leaves can bask in the sun.
But wait, there’s more! To give your Chinese money plant a little extra oomph, try adding a few Feng Shui enhancers. You could hang a small, round, red tassel from one of its branches, which is said to draw in wealth and prosperity. Or, you could place a few coins or a small, shiny object, like a gold ingot, near the base of the plant to symbolize the wealth you’re trying to attract.
Another trick is to use the power of intention. When you’re watering or caring for your Pilea peperomioides, take a moment to visualize your financial goals and the abundance you’re trying to manifest. It’s like giving your plant a pep talk, encouraging it to work its magic on your behalf.
And don’t forget the power of gratitude. When you start to see the positive effects of your Chinese money plant, be sure to take a moment to express your appreciation. A simple “thank you” to your plant for the luck and wealth it has brought you can help solidify that positive energy flow for the long term.
And last but not least, share the wealth! Chinese money plants are said to be even stronger when they are given to you by someone else. So if you’re lucky enough to receive such a gift, pay it forward by giving a plant to a friend or family member. That’s also why I mentioned earlier that Chinese money plant is also called the “Friendship plant”.
How to care for Chinese money plant when growing indoors
Although it is an easy-to-care-for plant, and you can leave it alone to go on a vacation for up to a week. But as I have shared many times, take good care of your plants and they will treat you the same way.
Light it up: When it comes to sunlight, your Chinese money plant loves bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch those beautiful round leaves. You might want to pop it near a north or east-facing window, so it gets just the right amount of light without getting fried.
Don’t drown it: Overwatering is a surefire way to send your plant to an early grave. Wait until the top inch of the soil is dry before giving it a drink. And when you do water, make sure to drain any excess water from the saucer, so your plant doesn’t get soggy feet.
Keep it cozy: Your Chinese money plant prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Try to avoid placing it near drafts, air vents, or radiators, which can cause fluctuations in temperature and stress your plant out.
Feed it well: During the growing season (spring and summer), give your plant a little treat by feeding it with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do this once a month to keep it happy and healthy.
Prune and propagate: To keep your plant looking its best, snip off any yellow or brown leaves as they appear. And if you want to share the love, you can easily propagate your Chinese money plant by taking stem cuttings with a healthy leaf attached. Simply place the cutting in a jar of water, and once roots develop, transfer it to a pot with well-draining soil.
Rotate and repot: To ensure even growth, give your plant a quarter turn every week or so, so all the leaves get their fair share of sunlight. And when it starts to outgrow its pot, gently repot it into a slightly larger container, preferably one with drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
Common problems of Chinese money plant
If your Chinese money plant encounters the following problems, don’t worry. I will guide you through the causes and ways to fix them.
Yellow leaves: If you notice your plant’s leaves turning yellow, it could be due to overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure you’re letting the top inch of soil dry out before watering again, and use a well-draining potting mix. Drainage holes in the pot are a must-have!
Drooping leaves: A droopy plant can be a sign that it’s either underwatered or overwatered. Check the soil moisture to figure out which one it is. If the soil’s too dry, give your plant a good drink. If it’s too wet, let the soil dry out before watering again.
Curling leaves: If you place your Pilea in a spot with too much direct sunlight, its leaves will curl up. So, when you notice this phenomenon, change its position.
Brown spots: Cute round leaves sometimes develop brown spots. This can indicate that your Pilea peperomioides is either getting too much direct sunlight or too much fertilizer.
White grains on the leaves: It is completely normal for Chinese money plant leaves to have white grains, which are simply mineral substances. You can wipe the leaves clean with a damp cloth if you don’t like the appearance.
Leggy growth: If your Chinese money plant is growing tall and spindly, it might be craving more light. Move it to a spot with brighter, indirect sunlight to help it grow more compact and bushy.
Brown leaf edges: Crispy brown leaf edges could be a sign of low humidity. To up the moisture levels, you can place your plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles, or try misting the leaves with water every few days. Just don’t overdo it, as Pilea peperomioides doesn’t need super high humidity.
Pests: Although it’s not a frequent issue, Chinese money plants can occasionally attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Keep an eye out for these critters, and if you spot any, give the leaves a good wipe with a damp cloth or treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slow growth: If your plant’s growth seems to have come to a standstill, it might be hungry for nutrients. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed it with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month.
Benefits of having a Chinese money plant in your home
As a Feng Shui expert, I have witnessed many benefits of planting a Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) in my clients’ homes. It is not only a tool to promote good Feng Shui, but it also brings another kind of benefit to your living space.
Aesthetics: The Chinese money plant is a real looker, with its round, coin-like leaves and bright green color. It adds a touch of charm and personality to any room, making it a great choice for jazzing up your living space.
Easy care: One of the best things about the Chinese money plant is that it’s a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t demand too much attention. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike, as it can tolerate a bit of neglect and still bounce back.
Air purification: Like many other houseplants, the Chinese money plant can help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. It’s always a plus to have a plant that looks good and helps you breathe a little easier!
Positive energy: Chinese money plant can attract positive energy, luck, and prosperity. Whether or not you subscribe to these beliefs, it’s hard to deny the uplifting effect this cheerful plant can have on your mood and overall well-being.
Easy propagation: If you’ve got a green thumb and love sharing plants with friends and family, Pilea peperomioides is a dream come true. It’s super easy to propagate through stem cuttings, allowing you to grow your own little Pilea family and spread the love.
Pet-friendly: Good news for pet owners! The Chinese money plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe addition to your home if you’ve got furry friends roaming around.
FAQ
How big do Chinese money plants grow?
On average, a Chinese money plant can grow to be about 12 inches (30 cm) tall and wide when grown indoors. However, some plants can reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) if they are truly thriving and have the proper conditions.
Why is my Chinese money plant not growing?
If your Chinese money plant isn’t growing, you should review the following conditions:
Light conditions: First, consider the light conditions of the plant. Chinese money plants prefer indirect, bright sunlight. If it’s sitting in a spot that’s too dark, it may be struggling to grow. Try moving it to a brighter location, such as near a north or east-facing window, and see if that helps.
Watering: Pilea peperomioides like water, so you should water them more than other types of plants, but not too much.
Temperature: Your Chinese money plant likes temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). If it’s exposed to drafts, ventilation holes, or cooling systems that cause temperature fluctuations, it can stress your plant and hinder its growth.
Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), your plant may need some extra nutrients. So, if the plant is growing slowly, try fertilizing it a little.
Pot size: If your Chinese money plant has root bound, its growth may be slowed. Check to see if the roots are circling the pot or poking out of the drainage hole. If so, it’s time to move the plant to a slightly larger pot with fresh soil and good drainage.
Can I propagate a Chinese money plant?
As I mentioned earlier, Chinese money plant is also known as the friendship plant. So, why not propagate your money plant and give it as a gift to your loved ones? Here is a simple step-by-step guide to propagate your Pilea peperomioides:
Find a healthy plantlet: Keep an eye out for baby plants (or pups) growing near the base of the parent plant. These little offshoots are prime candidates for propagation.
Detach with care: Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife to gently cut the plantlet away from the parent plant. Make sure you get a bit of the stem along with the baby plant to increase the chances of successful rooting.
Root in water: Place the freshly cut plantlet in a small container of water, making sure the stem is submerged but the leaves aren’t touching the water. Keep the container in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, and be patient. In a couple of weeks, you should see tiny roots starting to form.
Transfer to soil: Once the roots are about an inch long, it’s time to move your baby plant to its new home! Gently plant it in a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist, but be careful not to overwater.
Watch it grow: Continue caring for your new Chinese money plant just like the parent plant—bright, indirect sunlight, proper watering, and occasional feeding during the growing season. In no time, you’ll have a thriving, new addition to your plant family!
Where can I buy a Chinese money plant?
I am a feng shui expert, and LotusBuddhas is just a knowledge-sharing platform, so if someone asks where to buy Chinese money plant, we honestly don’t know for sure. However, I can suggest some places where you can find Chinese money plant.
Local nurseries and garden centers: Your best bet for finding a Chinese money plant is to check out your local nurseries or garden centers. These spots often carry a variety of houseplants, and there’s a good chance they’ll have Pilea peperomioides in stock.
Big-box stores: Sometimes, you can find Pilea peperomioides at large home improvement stores or supermarkets with a gardening section. It’s a bit hit-or-miss, but it’s worth a shot if you’re already in the neighborhood.
Online shops: If you can’t find a Chinese money plant locally, there are plenty of online retailers and plant shops that specialize in houseplants. A quick search for “buy Chinese money plant online” should point you in the right direction. Just be sure to choose a reputable seller with good reviews to ensure you receive a healthy plant.
Plant swaps or friends: You never know who might have a Chinese money plant to share! Ask around in your circle of friends or local gardening groups, or attend a plant swap event in your area. Since these plants are so easy to propagate, fellow plant lovers are often more than happy to share the wealth.
Indeed, Chinese money plant has so many benefits, right, everyone! By taking good care of it and placing it in the right position according to the feng shui principles that expert Phung Phuong has shared, you can completely attract wealth through the power of the Chinese money plant.
