Urticaceae
Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla): Complete Care Guide
Pilea microphylla
An easy-care plant suitable for beginners. Thrives in bright indirect light, requires moderate watering (when the top of the soil dries out), and enjoys high humidity. Grows fast and adapts well to indoor environments. Excellent as ground cover outdoors in tropical climates.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 27°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Artillery Plant?
Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) is a easy-care plant from the Urticaceae family. The Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) is a small tropical plant native to the Tropical Americas, prized for its incredibly tiny, moss-like leaves that form a lush, dense green carpet. It belongs to the family Urticaceae and is famous for its remarkable pollen-shooting mechanism — when its stamens...
Artillery Plant grows up to 30cm, with spread of 60cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 27°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water the Artillery Plant every 7 days, or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging — overwatering leads to root rot. Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter months.
Lighting
Place in bright, indirect light near an east or west-facing window. Avoid intense direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate small leaves. Tolerates partial shade but may lose vigor and density.
Ideal Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A blend of regular potting soil, perlite, and peat works well. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Recommended Pot
Terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes, sized proportionally to the plant. Plastic pots also work well as they retain more moisture.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 42 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Artillery Plant
The Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) is a small tropical plant native to the Tropical Americas, prized for its incredibly tiny, moss-like leaves that form a lush, dense green carpet. It belongs to the family Urticaceae and is famous for its remarkable pollen-shooting mechanism — when its stamens mature, they forcefully eject pollen into the air in a visible cloud, which gives the plant its name. It is widely used as a ground cover, in terrariums, and as an indoor ornamental.
How to Propagate
Stem Cutting
Use clean, sharp tools. Stem cuttings root very readily in spring and summer. You can root in water first before planting in soil.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 5-8 cm long with 2-3 pairs of leaves
- 2 Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem
- 3 Place the stem in water or in moist, well-draining potting mix
- 4 Keep in a warm, humid location with bright indirect light
- 5 Transplant to a permanent pot after roots develop
Materials needed:
Plant Division
Combine division with repotting to minimize stress on the plant.
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from its pot
- 2 Gently separate the clumps by hand or with a clean knife
- 3 Plant each division in an individual pot with fresh potting mix
- 4 Water lightly and keep in a shaded spot for a few days
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
30cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Meaning & Symbolism
Cheerfulness, vitality, and natural resilience. The tiny leaves symbolize attention to detail and delicacy.
Fun Facts
The Artillery Plant gets its name from the way its stamens forcefully shoot pollen into the air when mature — visible as a tiny smoke-like puff.
Despite its tiny leaves, this plant can grow quickly and spread as a ground cover across large areas in tropical climates.
It is native to Tropical Americas but has naturalized in tropical regions around the world.
The flowers of Pilea microphylla are so small they are nearly invisible, yet their pollination mechanism is one of the most remarkable in the plant kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water the Artillery Plant?
Is the Artillery Plant toxic to pets?
What light does the Artillery Plant need?
Why is it called the Artillery Plant?
How do I propagate the Artillery Plant?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
