Fauna
Plant

Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides

Also known as Pancake Plant, UFO Plant, Lefse Plant, Missionary Plant

Chinese money plants produce bright green, circular leaves that sprout on long petioles like miniature umbrellas. Native to shadowy mountain crevices in southern China, this succulent herb pops up abundant baby offsets along its stem and roots. Its explosive popularity as an indoor plant stems from how easily growers can snap off and share these rooted offsets with friends.

HouseplantRound LeavesEvergreen
Chinese Money Plant reference
Husky / CC0 · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Spider Mites
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale Insects
ThreatsHabitat loss in native wild range
HabitatsSubtropical mountain forests, rocky crevices, indoor cultivation
Life span10–20+ years
Classification
  1. OrderRosales
  2. FamilyUrticaceae
  3. GenusPilea
  4. SpeciesPilea peperomioides
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to handle and non-toxic to household pets.
Responsible observation
  • Light Exposure: Provide bright, indirect sunlight to maintain vibrant foliage color.
  • Propagation: Gently sever rooted baby offsets from the main stem to grow new plants.
  • Rotation: Turn the pot weekly so the central stem grows straight toward light.
Related species
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