Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine'

Botanical Name — Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine'

Common Name — baby tears, silver sprinkles plant

Plant Family — Urticaceae

Background

Pilea glauca ‘Aquamarine’ is a low-growing tropical perennial that is native to the rainforests of central and South America. Where it is endemic it grows as creeping a groundcover. At home, it is ideal for terrariums and hanging baskets. It grows well both indoors and outdoors but should be kept inside once temperatures drop below 40 ºF. It is a member of the nettle family, a plant family that contains many plants known for their medicinal value, though this plant is not known for any such benefits.

Growth Requirements

Sun

Pilea glauca ‘Aquamarine’ prefers medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun. Light from an east or north-facing window is ideal.

Temperature/ Humidity

These tropical plants prefer warm temperatures and high humidity. They are cold-intolerant and will start to decline at temperatures below 40 ºF.
High humidity will help these plants do their best growing. Mist plants daily or place them on top of a tray of wet pebbles to improve ambient moisture. Baby tears plants are great for terrariums.

Water

Keep soil lightly moist. These plants thrive in consistent moisture. In the winter, when growth slows significantly, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly.

Soil/Roots

These plants prefer airy, well-drained soil that retains moisture well. A high quality, all-purpose potting mix would work great. Soil can be amended with coco coir up to 25% to improve texture and drainage. Compost, up to 25%, is another amendment you can add to boost the nutrient quality of the soil.

Flowering

Pilea glauca produce small, inconspicuous flowers. Flowers can bloom year-round, though these plants rarely flower indoors.

Fertilization

Baby tears plants do not require much in terms of fertilization. To give their soil a boost, fertilize them once monthly using a balanced fertilizer diluted at half strength. Fertilize during the spring and summer only; cease fertilization during the winter.

Propagation

These plants propagate reliably from stem cuttings. Press stem cuttings into soil allowing them to make firm contact with the soil. Mist them daily or cover them with a clear container such as a terrarium dome or plastic bag to maintain humidity until roots start to form, then water as usual.

Health

Diseases

Pilea glauca is not especially susceptible to diseases or pests. Because they like humidity and moisture, root rot is a concern and is more likely when the plant is overwatered. Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests such as scale, aphids, and mealybugs.

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

Little maintenance is required to keep these plants happy. Prune stems that have gotten leggy to encourage growth and fullness.
Pilea glauca likes to be a little rootbound. Repotting should only be necessary once every one to two years. When repotting, select a container that is one to two inches wider in diameter to allow the plant additional space to grow.

Toxicity