Pilea involucrata (Sims) Urb., commonly known as the friendship plant,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the nettle family Urticaceae, native to Central and South America.[2] It is a popular houseplant due to its unique foliage and relatively easy care.[2] This species is best known for its popular cultivar, Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley'.
| Friendship plant | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Pilea |
| Species: | P. involucrata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pilea involucrata (Sims) Urb.
| |
Description
editPilea involucrata is a bushy, trailing plant typically growing to a height and spread of 10–12 inches (25–30 cm).[3] The species typically features bright green leaves with a quilted or corrugated texture, often with bronze or reddish undersides.[4] It occasionally produces small, pink-white flowers, but these are infrequent when grown indoors.[5]
Cultivation
editThe friendship plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist.[4] It thrives in temperatures between 65–80 °F (18–27 °C) and moderate to high humidity levels.[6] Pilea involucrata is easily propagated through division or stem cuttings.
Cultivar: 'Moon Valley
editPilea involucrata 'Moon Valley', also known as the Moon Valley plant, is a distinct cultivar recognized for its deeply textured, cratered leaves that resemble the moon's surface.[7] The foliage is primarily chartreuse-green, highlighted by prominent bronze-colored veins. It is often mistakenly identified as Pilea mollis due to its similar appearance and the shared common name "friendship plant".[8]
Uses
editPilea involucrata, including its 'Moon Valley' cultivar, is primarily grown as a houseplant.[9] It is well-suited for terrariums, hanging baskets, and tabletop displays due to its compact size and visually appealing foliage.
References
edit- ^ "Pilea involucrata (Sims) C.H.Wright & Dewar | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ a b "Pilea involucrata - Plant Finder". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "How to Grow and Care for Pilea Involucrata". The Spruce. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ a b "Pilea involucrata (Friendship Plant)". www.gardenia.net. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ www.shootgardening.com https://www.shootgardening.com/plants/pilea-involucrata. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Pilea Production Guide". mrec.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "How to care for the Moon Valley Pilea | Plants 101". The Sill. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ Rae. "Pilea involucrata: A Complete Guide to the Friendship Plant". Terrarium Tribe. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Pilea involucrata (Friendship Plant, Panamiga) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
External links
edit
Media related to Pilea involucrata at Wikimedia Commons
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