Urticaceae
Pilea involucrata - Friendship Plant
Pilea involucrata
Easy-care plant. Water when the top layer of soil is dry (approx. every 7 days). Place in bright indirect light. Maintain high humidity (50-80%). Ideal temperature: 15-24°C. Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 24°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Friendship Plant?
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) is a easy-care plant from the Urticaceae family. Pilea involucrata is a tropical evergreen perennial native to Central and South America, belonging to the Urticaceae family. It features stunning oval, velvety leaves with a deeply quilted or crinkled texture, displaying dark green tones with bronze and copper highlights, and reddish-purple undersid...
Friendship Plant grows up to 30cm, with spread of 30cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 24°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly once a week. Avoid waterlogging and do not wet the leaves directly to prevent fungal diseases. Reduce watering in winter.
Lighting
Place in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal.
Ideal Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A blend of 2/3 peat moss or coco coir with 1/3 perlite works excellently. Ideal pH range is 5.5-7.0.
Recommended Pot
Plastic or ceramic pot with drainage holes. Closed terrariums are also excellent for maintaining the high humidity this plant loves.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Friendship Plant
Pilea involucrata is a tropical evergreen perennial native to Central and South America, belonging to the Urticaceae family. It features stunning oval, velvety leaves with a deeply quilted or crinkled texture, displaying dark green tones with bronze and copper highlights, and reddish-purple undersides. This compact plant reaches 15-30 cm in height, making it perfect for terrariums, desks, and bright indoor spaces.
How to Propagate
Stem cutting
Cuttings root easily in both water and soil. Change the water weekly if using water propagation.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem about 7-8 cm long with 2-3 leaves
- 2 Remove the lower leaves
- 3 Place the cutting in clean water or moist potting mix
- 4 Keep in a warm spot with indirect light
- 5 Wait for roots to develop to 2-3 cm before transplanting
Materials needed:
Division
Division is ideal during spring repotting. Make sure each division has its own roots.
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from its pot
- 2 Separate offsets or side shoots with roots
- 3 Plant each division in an individual pot with fresh potting mix
- 4 Water lightly and keep in a warm location
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
30cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
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.
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.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
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
Friendship, connection and generosity
Fun Facts
It received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit for its easy cultivation
It is called the Friendship Plant because it propagates so easily and is commonly shared among friends
In nature it grows as ground cover in the understory of tropical forests in Central and South America
Its leaves have a unique velvet-like texture that is distinctive among houseplants
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Pilea involucrata?
Is Pilea involucrata toxic to pets?
How do I propagate the Friendship Plant?
What kind of light does Pilea involucrata need?
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 | ⚠️ |
