Creeping Pilea (Pilea nummulariifolia)

Creeping Pilea

Pilea nummulariifolia

Tiny round leaves trail like living confetti. Low-growing evergreen foliage plant; common name: Creeping Charlie.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerates low light but grows more compact in brighter conditions; avoid harsh midday direct sun
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Watering Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil dries completely; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives at 18–24℃; protect from temperatures below 10℃ to avoid leaf drop and stunted growth
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round, succulent, bright green leaves (0.5–1 cm diameter) arranged oppositely on stems
  • Stem: Slender, trailing stems that root at nodes when in contact with soil
  • Flower: Tiny, pale green, inconspicuous clusters (rarely produced indoors)
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; mist occasionally to boost humidity in dry indoor environments

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems to encourage bushier, more compact growth
  • Pinch back growing tips to promote lateral branching and fullness
  • Remove yellowed or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and airflow
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental hanging plant, indoor tabletop decor, warm-climate ground cover