Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioidesalso also sold as the pancake plant or UFO plant

Chinese Money Plant

Bright indirectEasyPet-safe
6080°FComfort range
AverageHumidity
Background

The Chinese money plant went from near-impossible-to-find to windowsill staple almost entirely by word of mouth — it was passed hand to hand as pups long before nurseries caught up, which is exactly what makes it so satisfying to own. The round, coin-like leaves on slender stalks give it a neat, almost graphic look.

It is easy and fast, asking mainly for bright indirect light and a quarter-turn every few days so it doesn't lean and go lopsided. Its best trick is generosity: it constantly throws up little plantlets from the soil and stem that you can lift, root, and give away. Droopy leaves usually just mean it's thirsty.

Bright indirect light keeps it compact and the leaves flat and round. In low light the stems stretch and lean; rotate the pot often, as it leans hard toward the light.

Care at a glance
LightBright indirect
WaterEvery 7–10 days; let the top inch dry
Soil mixStandard well-draining potting mix loosened with perlite
HumidityAverage
Temperature60–80°F
DifficultyEasy
HabitUpright
Mature size8–12 in tall and wide
PropagationPot up the abundant offset 'pups' from the soil and stem
Watering & safety
How to water

Water thoroughly and drain; it droops its coins when thirsty and perks up after a drink

Drought tolerance

Low — keep to a consistent rhythm and don't let it dry out hard.

Pet & child safety

Non-toxic and safe around cats, dogs, and children.

The routine

Water when the top inch is dry; it droops to warn you

every 7–10 days

Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser

monthlyGrowing season

Rotate the pot a quarter-turn so it grows evenly

Lift and pot up the pups to make more plants

Repot as it fills the pot

every 1–2 years
Watch for
Fungus GnatsSpider MitesMealybugs