Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)

Aluminum Plant

Pilea cadierei

Silver splashes on green leaves bring subtle, modern charm. Evergreen foliage houseplant; common name: Aluminum Plant.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch leaf edges and fade silver patches
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives at 18–24℃; protect from temperatures below 12℃ to prevent leaf drop and stunted growth
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval, glossy green leaves with silvery metallic patches along primary veins
  • Stem: Succulent, upright stems that may trail slightly with mature growth
  • Flower: Tiny, greenish-white, inconspicuous clustered blooms (rarely produced indoors)
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows

Banana peel tea:Soak 1 chopped banana peel in 1L of water for 24 hours, strain, and use to water the plant; avoid leaving solid peels in soil to prevent odor and pest issues
Pruning
  • Pinch back stem tips regularly to encourage bushy, compact growth and prevent legginess
  • Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base to maintain plant health and appearance
  • Trim overgrown stems in early spring to refresh the plant’s shape and promote new growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no adverse effects reported for cats

Humans: No known toxic effects for human ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental indoor foliage; ideal for desk, shelf, or tabletop decoration