The Home Growns
10. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the incredibly popular and oh-so-cute Chinese Money Plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides. You might have heard it called the ‘UFO Plant’ or ‘Pancake Plant’ too, and once you see it, you’ll understand why! Those unique, perfectly round, coin-shaped leaves that seem to float on their upright stems give it such a playful, modern look. It’s a real standout!
The Quest for the “Pass-It-On Plant”
I remember when the Chinese Money Plant started getting super trendy a few years back. They were a bit hard to find, which only added to their allure! I was seeing them all over Instagram in these gorgeous, minimalist Scandinavian-style homes, and I just had to have one. It became a bit of a mission!
What I loved, even before I owned one, was its nickname: the ‘Friendship Plant‘ or ‘Pass-It-On Plant‘. This is because it so readily produces little babies, or “pups,” that you can share with friends. That whole idea of a plant designed for gifting just warmed my heart. When I finally got my hands on my first Pilea peperomioides, it felt like I’d joined a special club.
Light, Legginess, and the Art of Rotation
Now, when it comes to light, the Chinese Money Plant prefers bright, indirect light. That’s where it will look its happiest and most compact, with those iconic flat, round leaves. However, it can manage in medium-low light conditions, which is why it made our list!
But here’s a little heads-up: if the light is too low, your Pilea may become leggier. This means the stems might stretch out as the plant reaches for more light, and the leaves might be a bit smaller or more spaced out. It’ll still be a cool plant, but it might lose some of that tight, bushy UFO shape. I learned this the hard way with one I tucked into a shadier corner than it liked. It started looking a bit like a lanky teenager!
A super important tip for these trendy indoor plants is to rotate your plant regularly, like a quarter turn every week or so. Because the leaves tend to grow towards the light source, rotating it helps maintain that symmetrical, well-rounded shape we all love.
“Share the Wealth”: Propagating Pilea Pups is a Breeze!
This is where the Chinese Money Plant truly shines and lives up to its friendly reputation. It produces ‘pups’ or offshoots readily from its base or even from the roots a little way out in the pot. Those cute little babies popping up are perfect for propagating and sharing – seriously, it’s one of the easiest easy to propagate plants out there!
Once a pup has a few of its own little leaves and is maybe an inch or two tall, you can gently separate it from the mother plant. I usually use a clean, sharp knife or small trowel to cut the connecting root or stem. Then, you can pot it up in its own little container with some fresh potting mix, and voila – you’ve got a brand new Pilea to keep or, even better, to gift as a lovely DIY gift idea! It’s so satisfying to watch them grow.
Adding a Trendy & Cheerful Vibe to Your Space
There’s no denying that the Chinese Money Plant is a favorite in modern home decor, and for good reason. Its distinctive appearance and positive vibes just bring such a cheerful energy to a room. Those bright green, disc-like leaves on bouncy stems have an almost animated quality.
It looks fantastic in simple, minimalist pots that let its unique form take center stage. Whether it’s perched on a sunny windowsill (with indirect light, of course!), a bookshelf, or as a desk plant, it adds an instant touch of trendy, Scandinavian-inspired style. And hey, if it brings a little bit of good fortune along with its good looks, as its name suggests, then that’s just an extra bonus! It’s also generally considered one of the pet-friendly houseplants, which is great for many of us.
It’s just a really fun, rewarding, and stylish plant to have around. It’s no wonder it’s captured the hearts of so many plant enthusiasts!
Conclusion
See? Becoming a plant parent doesn’t have to be a recipe for disaster, even if your home is a bit on the shady side or your schedule is packed!
With these 10 virtually indestructible low light plants, you’re totally equipped to bring that coveted touch of green into your home and enhance your already amazing decor. Go ahead, pick a favorite (or two!), give it a loving spot, and watch your confidence bloom right alongside your new plant friend.
Which one are you excited to try first? Share your thoughts or any “black thumb” success stories below – we’d love to hear them!
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