Friendship Plant Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley'
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ABOUT
Moon Valley is a distinctive plant known for its textured foliage. The leaves are a deep green color, often with a bronzy sheen. They are heavily veined in a way that gives them a puckered look, somewhat resembling the surface of the moon, which is where the plant gets its name. The leaves are oval with pointy tips and edges that can be serrated or have a subtle ruffle. Each leaf has a pattern of raised ridges and valleys, providing a tactile experience. When exposed to bright light, the leaf color can develop a reddish hue, further enhancing its decorative appeal. Moon Valley can also produce small, pinkish flowers that add a touch of delicacy to the robust-looking leaves. The overall impression of Moon Valley is a lush, vibrant plant that's both eye-catching and touchable thanks to its uniquely textured foliage.
About this plant
Names
Family
Urticaceae
Synonyms
Moon Valley Pilea, Friendship Plant
Common names
Pilea mollis, Pilea muscosa, Pilea 'Moon Valley'
Toxicity
To humans
Friendship plant (Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or produce harmful symptoms.
To pets
Friendship plant is also non-toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant should not cause any significant health issues or symptoms of poisoning in animals such as cats or dogs.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
11
Native area
Central America South America
Benefits
General Benefits
- Easy to care for: Known for being low-maintenance, Moon Valley Pilea does not require any special care routines.
- Attractive foliage: The textured leaves with deep ridges and bright colors add an aesthetic appeal to indoor spaces.
- Improves humidity: By transpiring water vapor, this plant can help maintain a pleasant humidity level indoors.
- Enhances mood: The presence of the plant can contribute to a calming environment and promote well-being.
- Promotes learning: Caring for a Moon Valley Pilea can be an educational experience about plant growth and physiology.
- Adaptable growth: It can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions, making it suitable for various locations in the home or office.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Photography Prop: Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley' has a distinctive, textured foliage that makes it a favorite subject for photographers and bloggers looking to add a touch of green to their shots.
- Education: Teachers and educators can use the 'Moon Valley' plant as a live example when teaching botany, discussing topics like leaf patterns, plant care, and photosynthesis.
- Stress Reduction: Having a 'Moon Valley' on a desk or in a workspace can help reduce stress levels and create a peaceful atmosphere due to its lush and vibrant appearance.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the unique texture and form of the 'Moon Valley' as inspiration in their artwork, whether through painting, drawing, or even sculpture.
- Terrariums: Its modest size and attractive look make the 'Moon Valley' an ideal choice for inclusion in terrariums, adding depth and interest.
- Home Decor: Due to its aesthetic appeal, 'Moon Valley' can serve as a living decor element in interior design, particularly in styles that emphasize natural materials and plants.
- Humidity Indicator: The 'Moon Valley' prefers high humidity, and its leaves might curl or droop when the air is too dry, indirectly serving as a natural indicator for room humidity levels.
- Feng Shui: This plant can be placed in specific areas of a home or office in accordance with Feng Shui principles to enhance positive energy and bring balance to a space.
- Gifts: 'Moon Valley' can be a meaningful gift to friends and family as it's easy to care for and symbolizes growth and renewal.
- Theme Gardens: The 'Moon Valley' can be included in theme gardens which focus on the moon or celestial bodies due to its name and textured leaves that resemble craters and valleys.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Friendship plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Friendship plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Friendship: Also known as the Friendship Plant, Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley' is commonly shared among friends due to its ease of propagation, symbolizing the sharing and nurturing of relationships.
- Growth: As a plant that grows and adapts in various conditions, it represents personal growth, flexibility, and adaptability in life.
- Good Fortune: Some believe that having a Pilea plant in the home can bring good luck and fortune, possibly related to its lush, coin-like leaves which might be associated with money and prosperity in some cultures.
- Harmony: The plant's ability to thrive in a harmonious environment with the right care could symbolize the importance of balance and harmony for a healthy and fulfilling life.
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.