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Pilea cadierei - Aluminium Plant

The Aluminium Plant - Pilea indoors

The Aluminium Plant Pilea cadierei has brightly coloured leaves that give rise to its name. The foliage is basically dark green base, but with striking silvery white markings covering most of the ovate leaf. The fact that the markings are raised or embossed adds a further attractive dimension.

It is sometimes known as the watermelon plant on account of the markings, with several watermelon varieties having similar markings on the fruit.

Pileas are often succulent, but not so Pilea cadierei. It is erect in growth habit with the tough upright stems normally fully clothed in the attractive foliage though neglected plants can soon develop into a canopy none the less attractive. The branches eventually form a slightly woody base helping its sturdy nature. The eventual height is 12in (30cm) with a slightly lesser spread.

It is found in habitats in SE Asia but in Vietnam in particular where it grows comfortably in humid conditions rarely falling below 15 deg. It is typically perennial and evergreen in its native habitat, and considered as being robust in nature.



Comprehensive Care Guide for Pilea Cadierei (Aluminium Plant) as a House Plant

Warm humid growing conditions are ideal but not normally easy to attain indoors at all times. Happy in semi shade rather then being sun-scorched on a windowsill, extra humidity can be provided by placing pot in or near a saucer of wet pebbles. Use a rich organic potting mix which allows good drainage.

Unlike some of the succulent foliaged Pileas, the Aluminium Plant requires watering weekly through the growing season; but never waterlogged. When watering, soak the compost, but ensure the good drainage normally associated with good compost. Include a weak liquid feed with the watering but NOT if the post compost has dried out.

Ideal Environment

The Aluminium Plant is a tropical plant native to Vietnam. Therefore, it thrives in warm and humid environments. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60-75°F (15-24°C), but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). It's important to avoid placing the plant in an area with cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.

Soil Type

Pilea Cadierei prefers well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots which may lead to root rot. A good mix would be equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. This combination ensures adequate drainage while maintaining enough moisture.

Sunlight Requirements

This plant loves bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown. If you notice the silver markings on the leaves fading, it might be a sign that the plant isn't receiving enough light.

Watering Schedule

Water your Aluminium Plant when the top inch of soil is dry. This usually means watering once a week during the growing season (spring and summer), and reducing to every two weeks or so during the dormant season (fall and winter). Always ensure excess water drains out to avoid waterlogging.

Special Considerations

Humidity is essential for this tropical plant. If your home's air is dry, consider placing your plant on a tray of pebbles filled with water, using a room humidifier, or misting the plant regularly.

During the winter months, watering should be less with no feeding included.

When the plant gets a little leggy as it will do the growth can be trimmed back. A good way is to trim back one in three branches throughout the growing season, which will allow for new growth with brightly coloured foliage. If too leggy, start again by trimming the whole plant back to within a few joints of the basal stem network. If this is done, then ensure that the feeding regime is continued to help the plant regain its former glory.

Can be grown as a stand-alone specimen plant, or included in a trough of mixed plants either as a central dot plant, or as cover around the edge. Whichever, its foliage will probably outshine most other house plants.

Propagation of Pilea cadierei.

Propagation is by soft tip cuttings in a warm enclosed pot or propagating tray. This is best carried out early in the growing season, rather than as an afterthought at end of summer!

  1. Prepare Your Tools: You'll need a sharp, clean knife or pair of scissors, a glass or jar of water, and a pot with well-draining soil.
  2. Take a Cutting: Choose a healthy stem on your plant and make a cut just below a leaf joint (node). Your cutting should have at least one leaf joint, as this is where new roots will sprout.
  3. Root in Water: Place the cut end of your stem cutting into a glass of water, making sure the leaf joint is submerged. Keep the glass in a warm place with bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days.
  4. Wait for Roots to Form: This will usually take a few weeks. Be patient and keep an eye on your cutting for signs of root growth.
  5. Plant the Cutting: Once the roots are about an inch long, you can plant your cutting in a pot with well-draining soil. Bury the roots and the leaf joint in the soil, leaving the remaining stem and leaves above the soil.
  6. Care for Your New Plant: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) and place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. A humid environment will help the new plant establish.

Remember, propagation success can vary, and not every cutting will take root. If the first attempt doesn't work out, don't get discouraged! Keep trying, and with a bit of luck and care, you'll soon have a new Aluminium Plant to add to your collection.

Problems of the Aluminium Plant.

Common pests that might bother your Pilea Cadierei are spider mites and mealybugs. These can be controlled by wiping the leaves with a mixture of water and mild soap. If the infection is severe, consider using a natural insecticide.

Browning leaves may indicate overwatering or exposure to direct sunlight. Yellowing leaves could mean the plant needs more water, or it's being watered with hard water. If this is the case, try using filtered or distilled water.

The other Pileas often suffer from stem rot. Not so with this variety. 


 

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