''Pilea involucrata'' (Sims) Urb., commonly known as the friendship plant, is a species of flowering plant in the
nettle family Urticaceae, native to
Central and South America.
It is a popular
houseplant
A houseplant, also known as a pot plant, potted plant, or indoor plant, is an ornamental plant cultivated indoors. for aesthetic or practical purposes. These plants are commonly found in House, homes, Office, offices, and various indoor spaces, w ...
due to its unique foliage and relatively easy care.
This species is best known for its popular
cultivar
A cultivar is a kind of Horticulture, cultivated plant that people have selected for desired phenotypic trait, traits and which retains those traits when Plant propagation, propagated. Methods used to propagate cultivars include division, root a ...
, ''Pilea involucrata'' 'Moon Valley'.
Description
''Pilea involucrata'' is a bushy, trailing plant typically growing to a height and spread of . The species typically features bright green leaves with a quilted or corrugated texture, often with bronze or reddish undersides.
It occasionally produces small, pink-white flowers, but these are infrequent when grown indoors.
Cultivation
The friendship plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist.
It thrives in temperatures between and moderate to high humidity levels. ''Pilea involucrata'' is easily
propagated through division or stem cuttings.
Cultivar: 'Moon Valley
''Pilea involucrata'' 'Moon Valley', also known as the Moon Valley plant, is a distinct
cultivar
A cultivar is a kind of Horticulture, cultivated plant that people have selected for desired phenotypic trait, traits and which retains those traits when Plant propagation, propagated. Methods used to propagate cultivars include division, root a ...
recognized for its deeply textured, cratered leaves that resemble the moon's surface. The foliage is primarily chartreuse-green, highlighted by prominent bronze-colored veins. It is often mistakenly identified as ''
Pilea mollis'' due to its similar appearance and the shared common name "friendship plant".
Uses
''Pilea involucrata'', including its 'Moon Valley' cultivar, is primarily grown as a
houseplant
A houseplant, also known as a pot plant, potted plant, or indoor plant, is an ornamental plant cultivated indoors. for aesthetic or practical purposes. These plants are commonly found in House, homes, Office, offices, and various indoor spaces, w ...
.
It is well-suited for
terrariums,
hanging baskets, and tabletop displays due to its compact size and visually appealing foliage.
References
External links
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involucrata