The Chinese Money Plant

Also known as Pilea Peperomioides, the Chinese Money Plant is a beautiful, unique houseplant. The Money Plant are increasingly popularised in Feng Shui originating in China. Feng Shui translates to wind and water. The concept of Feng Shui derives from a poem which translates to human life being connected with the natural environment, creating balance. The goal of Feng Shui is to create harmony using energy between individuals and the environment.

The money plant placement hopefully should see a reflection in the increase in energy within your cash reserves hence its name. The Pilea plant will mature and prune, giving it that ideal bonsai look. Over several months and years, the money plant will continue to grow where the branches become thicker alongside thin and smooth leaf surfaces.

Potential Money Plant Problems

Within your home, the Money Plant will rarely have any problems or issues. They rarely have any diseases however, main concerns stem from watering and insects/mites. Happy Houseplants suggests that you use a pot that has adequate drainage. This is because the jade plant roots can rot due to the soil mix not draining quick enough resulting in overwatering issues. Opposingly, if the jade plant is not watered enough, it can create leaf drop as the soil becomes too dry. Mealybugs are most common for these Money Plants. They are small white insects that can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton bud dipped in alcohol. Happy Houseplants suggests you do not use insecticidal soap as it can damage your beloved Money Plant.

How to Care for Your Money Plant

The art of watering houseplants can often deter people wanting to begin the plant sanctuary. Possibly worried that they will not be able to provide the specific care. Fear not, Happy Houseplants is your best friend when caring for your recently purchased houseplants! For any Money Plant, they are very easy to car for, making them ideal for beginners including the Money Tree! They largely look after themselves and in fact, majority of houseplants are overwatered than underwatered, meaning many plants thrive of neglect. Just water the Money plant or Money Tree when the top couple inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This is usually weekly in the summer months and fortnightly during those cold winter months. We also suggest applying a fertiliser every few months during spring and summer whilst positioning the plant or tree to receive a good amount of indirect sunlight. 

Our Favourite Money Houseplants (or the plants that are said to bring financial luck)

Mexican Fortune Tree – This amazing houseplant is commonly known as a Money Tree or Malabar Chestnut. We absolutely love this Money Tree for its amazing full shape and wonderful foliage. The most obvious feature of this stunning plant is its braided trunk. We only sell the large form, which we think looks gorgeous and creates instant impact. This plant makes for the perfect conversation piece or theme setter in any home. At Happy Houseplants we have many Mexican Money Trees as our clients love them for our interior design jobs! This Money Tree is suitable for beginners, just position this Money tree in a warm spot with plenty of indirect sunlight.

Is the Money Tree a good indoor plant?

Absolutely! This Mexican Fortune Tree is an easy-going, versatile house tree that requires minimal attention and will reward you with something spectacular to look at. We recommend positioning this houseplant in a location that receives plenty of indirect sunlight, and water this Money Tree when the top couple inches of its soil feel dry to the touch. Be careful that the Money Tree is not sitting in water as it will not like that!
Large Pilea Peperomioides – We really love the Pilea Peperomioides, it’s an important houseplant in our own home collection! They are popular and attractive indoor plants for their pretty habit of producing refreshing green leaves that look like lily pads. The Chinese money plant is super easy to care for and really rewarding, brilliant for beginners. If you would like to know more information about the Pilea Peperomioides, we have a video on caring for the Pilea. Chinese money plant is fragile, we are so sorry but it’s not suitable for posting, we can only hand deliver if you live in the London/surrounding areas. 

Cissus Rotundifolia – This amazing houseplant is a very pretty, climbing houseplant which is rarely found for sale in the UK at this size and form. The round leaves shine and look leathery a little bit like a Pilea or Chinese money plant. Little care is needed due to the wax layer on the leaves that retain moisture. This is perfect for beginners that will cope with a little bit of neglect and thrive with just a little bit of care. This Money plant will thrive in an east-facing window as well as under lights. During the growing season, you should provide study water to keep the soil constantly moist. During the other months such as winter, water infrequently and allow the soil to partially dry.

We have many more guides, advice, and ideas to bring nature into your home on our blog page. Happy Houseplants, Creating Living Spaces since 2018.