I got this little guy (chinese money plant; pilea peperomioides) online a few months ago, and when it arrived it definitely needed some TLC after being in a shipping box. It does look better now, but it also seems to be stuck in a sad cycle of a few new leaves sprouting, then the older/bigger leaves gradually turning brown and falling off. So I haven’t really seen much “net growth”, if that makes sense.
I water around twice a week, not on a schedule but just whenever the soil looks dry, and it gets good indirect sunlight. For reference, I also have a monstera and a pothos in the same place in my house as this money plant, and both are thriving with the amount/type of light. I also add a small amount of “organic soil enhancer” to my watering can for all three plants once every 2-3 weeks, and the monstera and pothos both seem to love it, so I hope that’s not hurting the money plant…
Maybe I’m just being impatient about seeing growth when I’ve only had him for a few months, but the leaves browning and falling off makes me sad. Thanks in advance for any advice y’all have for helping me get this guy to thrive!
by sczdaphd
5 Comments
I’m not an expert but I have a one I’ve kept alive for a few years and it’s happy. I’d guess over watering. I have mine in north facing indirect light and only water like every 10ish days in the winter. A bit more in summer
Yes overwatering. The pot is quite big so the soil takes longer to dry and it appears to be quite low in the pot reducing light. These have slightly succulent leaves so watering once every 10-14 days should be fine maybe even less in winter
Make sure you stick your finger in the pot, and the soil is actually dry, not just looks dry.
Especially during the winter, twice a week may be too much.
Consider getting a moisture thermometer for help
Probably overwatered! Twice a week is insane, and that pot looks too big for that plant. I water mine maybe every 3 weeks.
I’d recommend downsizing the pot, using soil with better drainage, and sticking your finger in the soil to see how far down it’s actually dry instead of just guessing!
Pot is too big, soil is wet for too long.