Pilea matsudae
Overview
Pilea matsudae is a low, herbaceous perennial in the nettle family, native to Taiwan. It forms a spreading mound of fleshy, branching stems reaching roughly 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and spreading wider over time. Leaves are opposite, oval to elliptic, somewhat succulent in texture, and bright to deep green, in the small paired arrangement typical of the genus Pilea spp.; individual leaves are generally under 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. As in other members of the family, the flowers are very small, greenish, and lack petals. The plant spreads by creeping, rooting stems and can form a dense low cover in suitable conditions. New growth is soft and bruises easily. In containers the lengthening stems trail slightly over the rim. It is frost-tender, grown outdoors only in frost-free climates and otherwise as a foliage plant under cover. Stems become leggy and sparse in low light, and the plant can scorch in direct midday sun.
Native Range
Native to Taiwan, where it grows in moist, shaded habitats. It is not native to North America.Suggested Uses
Grown as a foliage groundcover in frost-free gardens and as a container or terrarium plant under cover, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. Suited to shaded, sheltered spots and to hanging or trailing containers. Used as low underplanting in warm, humid settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers are minute, greenish, and petalless, appearing in the leaf axils during the warmer months. They are easily overlooked against the foliage.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright to deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in bright, indirect light to part shade in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil or potting mix. Direct midday sun scorches the foliage, while deep shade makes growth leggy. Watering keeps the soil lightly moist, as the fleshy stems rot in waterlogged conditions and wilt if the soil dries out completely. It is frost-tender and killed by freezing temperatures, so it is overwintered above 50F (10C). Stems can be pinched to keep the plant compact, and pieces root readily in moist soil. Aphids and fungus gnats occur on indoor plants.Pruning
Pinch or trim stem tips through the growing season to keep the mound dense and prevent legginess. Remove any rotted or bruised stems. Cuttings taken during trimming root easily in moist soil or water.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons