Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley' Tropical Indoor Air Purifying Plant in 6cm pot

Pilea mollis, or Moonlight Valley Plant, is commonly found in South America where it grows as ground cover in semi-shaded floors. The name, Pilea, derives from the Latin word pileus, meaning 'felt cap' due to the calyx covering the achene; mollis also lends its name to Latin, referring to the 'small hairs' found on the leaf's surface. The genus was first described back in the 1820's by British botanist, John Lindley, during a trip to South America.

Top Tips & Info

• Care Difficulty - Easy
• Provide a bright location with the avoidance of direct sunlight or excessively dark conditions.
• Water once the top third of the soil dries out, reducing this further in the autumn and winter.
• Fertilise using a 'Houseplant' labelled feed every four waters in the spring and summer, reducing this to every six in the colder months.
• Regularly check for pests, most notably Mealybugs.
• Keep the ambient temperature above 12℃  (54℉)  throughout the year, especially if placed outdoors in the summer.
• Repot every two years in spring using a 'Houseplant' labelled potting mix - this is the perfect time to take stem-tip cuttings to promote a bushier appearance.

Location & Light - 🔸🔸

Maintain a bright, indirect setting with a splash of morning sun over the autumn and winter months. When the height of summer returns, be sure to avoid all direct sunlight for the prevention of sun-scorch. The amount of light and current season of the year will directly govern the frequencies of waters per month, with specimens placed in darker areas must be kept on the drier side to life and brighter locations requiring better soil moisture to lubricate photosynthesis.

Water - 🔸🔸

Irrigate once the top third of the soil dries out, reducing this slightly over the autumn and winter months. Due to their low growing nature, never allow the foliage to remain saturated as the older leaves (those closest to the soil) could yellow and rot away, slowly spreading to other parts of the plant. Under-watering symptoms include grey leaves or stunted growth; these issues are commonly down to much sunlight or heat, as well as forgetfulness. Over-watering, on the other hand, include rapidly yellowing leaves, stunted growth, wilting and root rot. These symptoms could be due to a location that is too dark, water logging, too little heat and an excess of moisture on the foliage. If you feel that root rot is to blame, click this link for more information.

Humidity - 🔸🔸🔸

They'll need continual misting to prevent browning leaf tips, especially during the colder months while the heaters are operating. Inconsistent levels of surrounding air moisture will also cause stress, resulting in leaf loss and stunted growth; if you're a forgetful gardener, introduce a humidity tray instead to provide a steady and reliable amount of surrounding moisture, along with the occasional mist.

Fertilisation - 🔸🔸

Feed every four waters during the growing period and every six in the autumn and winter, using a 'Houseplant' labelled fertiliser. Never apply a 'ready to use’ product into the soil without a pre-water first, as it may burn the roots and lead to yellowed leaves.

SHIPPING

• Standard UK Shipping 2-4 Days
• Express Shipping 1-3 Days 
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RETURNS AND EXCHANGES

• 14 Days Return Policy
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