Friendship Plant Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley'

Water

The Friendship Plant requires consistent moisture, meaning that the soil should be kept damp, but not waterlogged. To maintain the right moisture level, water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, roughly once a week, although the frequency may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your space. It's crucial to adjust the watering schedule based on the season, watering less frequently during the winter months. Check the soil moisture by touching the top inch of soil, and water when it feels dry to the touch, generally amounting to about 8-16 ounces of water depending on pot size each time you water.

Light

Friendship Plants prefer bright, indirect light and should be placed in a location where they can receive plenty of light without being exposed to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. A north or east-facing window often provides the ideal lighting conditions, or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains for light diffusion.

Temperature

Friendship Plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, which are typical room temperatures. They can survive in a range as wide as 50°F to 80°F but should be protected from sudden temperature drops and drafts. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and prevents stress on the plant.

Pruning

Friendship Plants benefit from occasional pruning to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in the spring or early summer, which is the optimal time for pruning as the plant enters a period of active growth. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves and snip stem tips to promote a fuller plant; pruning can be done every few months or as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Moon Valley Friendship Plant thrives in well-draining, peaty soil with good aeration. A mix of peat, perlite, and potting soil in equal parts is ideal. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

The Moon Valley Friendship Plant should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Younger, faster-growing plants may need repotting more frequently.

Humidity & Misting

Moon Valley Friendship Plants prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 75% for optimal growth and foliage health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Grow in shade, protect from strong sun and wind, high humidity.

• Hardiness zone

  11-12 USDA

Life cycle

Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley', commonly known as the Moon Valley Friendship plant, begins its life cycle as a seed that, when given the right conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. The seedling develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic textured leaves. As it grows, the plant enters its vegetative stage, where it focuses energy on leaf production and root development. During its maturity, the Moon Valley Friendship plant may produce small pink or green flowers, although it is primarily grown for its foliage. After flowering, if conditions permit, it may produce seeds, though in cultivation, this is less common. Throughout its life, the plant can also propagate vegetatively via cuttings that root easily, thus continuing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Friendship Plant, commonly known as Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley', can be propagated through stem cuttings, which is the most popular method. To propagate, one should ideally choose healthy stems that have a few leaves on them. Cut a section of the stem about 2 to 3 inches long (5 to 7.6 centimeters), preferably just below a leaf node, where rooting is more likely to occur due to higher concentration of growth cells. Remove the bottom leaves to expose a short section of the stem. It's best to do this in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing, as this increases the chances of successful rooting. The stem cutting can then be placed in water or directly into soil. If using water, replace it every few days to keep it fresh until roots develop, at which point the cutting can be transferred to a potting mixture. With the soil method, keep the substrate moist and provide indirect light until the plant establishes itself.