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Pilea involucrata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Friendship plant
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Pilea
Species:
P. involucrata
Binomial name
Pilea involucrata
(Sims) Urb.

Pilea involucrata (Sims) Urb., commonly known as the friendship plant,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the nettle family Urticaceae, native to Central and South America.[2] It is a popular houseplant due to its unique foliage and relatively easy care.[2] This species is best known for its popular cultivar, Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley'.

Description

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Pilea involucrata is a bushy, trailing plant typically growing to a height and spread of 10–12 inches (25–30 cm).[3] The species typically features bright green leaves with a quilted or corrugated texture, often with bronze or reddish undersides.[4] It occasionally produces small, pink-white flowers, but these are infrequent when grown indoors.[5]

Cultivation

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The friendship plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist.[4] It thrives in temperatures between 65–80 °F (18–27 °C) and moderate to high humidity levels.[6] Pilea involucrata is easily propagated through division or stem cuttings.

Cultivar: 'Moon Valley

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Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley', also known as the Moon Valley plant, is a distinct cultivar recognized for its deeply textured, cratered leaves that resemble the moon's surface.[7] The foliage is primarily chartreuse-green, highlighted by prominent bronze-colored veins. It is often mistakenly identified as Pilea mollis due to its similar appearance and the shared common name "friendship plant".[8]

Uses

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Pilea involucrata, including its 'Moon Valley' cultivar, is primarily grown as a houseplant.[9] It is well-suited for terrariums, hanging baskets, and tabletop displays due to its compact size and visually appealing foliage.

References

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  1. ^ "Pilea involucrata (Sims) C.H.Wright & Dewar | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  2. ^ a b "Pilea involucrata - Plant Finder". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  3. ^ "How to Grow and Care for Pilea Involucrata". The Spruce. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  4. ^ a b "Pilea involucrata (Friendship Plant)". www.gardenia.net. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  5. ^ www.shootgardening.com https://www.shootgardening.com/plants/pilea-involucrata. Retrieved 2024-05-20. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ "Pilea Production Guide". mrec.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  7. ^ "How to care for the Moon Valley Pilea | Plants 101". The Sill. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  8. ^ Rae. "Pilea involucrata: A Complete Guide to the Friendship Plant". Terrarium Tribe. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  9. ^ "Pilea involucrata (Friendship Plant, Panamiga) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
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Media related to Pilea involucrata at Wikimedia Commons