The Chinese money plant, also known as pilea peperomioides, is an extremely popular houseplant Its cute round coin-shaped leaves and easy care have made it a favorite for many indoor gardeners.
If you want to bring one of these strange plants into your home, you probably want to know how big it will get. This full guide will tell you everything you need to know about how big Chinese money plants get and what affects their size.
Typical Indoor Size
On average, a healthy Chinese money plant will reach 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) tall and wide when grown as a houseplant However, some specimens may attain sizes up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and wide given optimal indoor conditions
People sometimes call it a “pancake plant,” and it grows slowly as a houseplant. It will grow about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) taller every year. The plant can keep its neat, compact shape without getting leggy or out of control if it grows slowly.
Mature Outdoor Size
The Chinese money plant is native to southern China. It grows at the foot of mountains in warm, damp places. There are times when these plants can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall when they are grown outside;
However, few home growers will ever achieve that size indoors. The constraints of pots, artificial lighting, and indoor air quality mean houseplants seldom attain their maximum outdoor proportions.
Factors That Influence Size
Several key factors play a role in determining how big your Chinese money plant will get:
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Age – Older, more mature plants will be larger than younger ones. Be patient, as pileas are slow growers.
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Pot size – A plant kept in a small pot will have restricted growth. Repotting into larger pots as needed provides room for expansion.
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Light – Bright, indirect light encourages compact, bushy growth. Insufficient light leads to leggy, sparse growth.
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Watering – Too much water can cause stunted growth and root rot. Underwatering leads to slower growth.
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Fertilizer – Regular feeding during the growing season fuels plant growth.
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Pruning – Trimming leggy stems or separating baby plants restricts size.
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Propagation – New plants started from cuttings or offsets will quickly achieve a petite size.
Tips for Controlling Size
Chinese money plants are the perfect size for desks and tabletops when kept to under 12 inches tall. Here are some tips to restrict your plant to a compact size:
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Propagate new plants from pups and stem cuttings for a continuous supply of petite pileas.
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Separate and rehome offshoots before they get too large.
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Prune any long, leggy stems back to an outward facing node.
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Grow in a small pot and downsize as needed to limit root expansion.
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Skip fertilizing during fall and winter months when plant growth naturally slows.
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Provide adequate bright, indirect light to discourage stretched growth.
Enjoy Its Unique Size
One of the charms of the Chinese money plant is its distinct puckered pancake shape. Unlike many houseplants that grow into gangly towers, the modest size of pilea peperomioides makes it ideal for displayed on desks, credenzas, and shelves.
With a little care and proper growing conditions, you can easily maintain a tidy 10 to 12 inch specimen perfect for highlighting its unique round leaves and sculptural form.
Common Questions
How long does it take a Chinese money plant to reach full size?
These slow growing plants can take 3 to 5 years to attain their maximum size, which is typically under 12 inches indoors. Larger, mature specimens may be 5 years old or more.
Should I repot my Chinese money plant to help it grow bigger?
Repotting into a slightly larger pot every 2 to 3 years will eliminate root crowding and provide room for additional growth. Just don’t over-pot, as too large a container can cause problems.
What causes leggy, sparse growth in Chinese money plants?
Insufficient light is the most common cause of lanky, stretched out plants with few leaves. Be sure to provide bright indirect light to encourage full, compact growth.
Why is my Chinese money plant staying small?
Young plants will be small, reaching full size over several years. Other causes can include inadequate light, overwatering, or root restriction from a too-small pot.
How can I limit the size of my Chinese money plant?
Frequent propagation, pruning long stems, and restricting root growth through smaller pot sizes are good ways to intentionally limit the size of Chinese money plants.
Will my Chinese money plant grow bigger if I move it outdoors?
Outdoor conditions including increased light, air circulation, humidity, and root space may allow a larger size, up to 3 feet tall. But most indoor specimens are kept under 12 inches.
Final Thoughts
Chinese money plants are delightful compact houseplants, reaching just 8 to 12 inches when grown indoors. Their slow growth, petite size, and unique round coin-shaped leaves make them perfect for displaying on shelves, desktops, and tabletops.
With the proper care outlined above, you can easily maintain your pancake plant at a tidy size perfect for accenting any indoor space. Enjoy watching your Chinese money plant slowly mature and fill out over time. Just be sure not to overpot or overfeed, as these plants are happier when kept small.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves that eventually fall off indicate the plant is getting too much water. Use a moisture meter to confirm that the soil is dry before watering.
Chinese Money Plant Care
People love this houseplant, but it can be hard to find. Once you do, it’s surprisingly easy to take care of.
- The Chinese money plant needs a lot of bright, indirect light. Put it somewhere that will get that.
- Prepare moist but well-draining soil.
- Water thoroughly once the soil has dried out.
- Maintain room temperature and average humidity.
- Turn the plant around every so often so it doesn’t become crooked.
- Fertilize lightly in spring and summer.
Its normal for plants to drop one or two older leaves as they put their energy into new growth. However, if you start to notice lots of your Chinese money plants leaves dropping, its most commonly a sign of overwatering and root rot. Be sure to address this immediately to prevent any more leaves from dropping.