Friendship Plant Plant Care

Pilea involucrata (Sims) C.H.Wright & Dewar

Pilea involucrata (Sims) Urb., commonly known as the friendship plant, is a species of flowering plant in the nettle family Urticaceae, native to Central and South America. It is a popular houseplant due to its unique foliage and relatively easy care.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Is the Friendship Plant?

Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Pilea genus. Friendship Plant is native to Central and South America. Friendship Plant is also known as Pilea.

Friendship Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 inches tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 inches. Friendship Plant produces insignificant small flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Friendship Plant?

Pilea involucrata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Friendship Plant Need?

Friendship Plant thrives in bright indirect light light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–400 lux. Avoid placing Friendship Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

200–400 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Friendship Plant Prefer?

Pilea involucrata grows best at temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. Friendship Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Friendship Plant?

Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Friendship Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Do You Repot a Friendship Plant?

Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Friendship Plant?

Friendship Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese money plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

Fertilizing

Every 4 months

During the growing season

Is the Friendship Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?

Non-Toxic

Non-toxic to humans and pets

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Friendship Plant?

Friendship Plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Friendship Plant Need?

Friendship Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. Native to Central and South America, Friendship Plant is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Friendship Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Friendship Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Pilea genus — compare its care with other Pilea species on PlantoScan.

Friendship Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Pilea Species

Other Pilea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

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