Artillery Plant Plant Care

Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Pilea genus. Artillery Plant is native to Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, and tropical Central and Southern America. Artillery Plant is also known as Pilea microphylla, Gunpowder Plant, Militar y Plant.

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

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Artillery Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Artillery Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Artillery Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pilea microphylla tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Artillery Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Artillery Plant every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Artillery Plant is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Artillery Plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Artillery Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Artillery Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Artillery 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.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Artillery 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.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Artillery Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Artillery Plant is native to Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, and tropical Central and Southern America. In cooler regions, grow Artillery Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.