Creeping Charlie

pilea nummulariifolia

Also known as: ["Creeping Charlie","Creeper Plant","Artillery Plant"]

Family: Urticaceae Genus: Pilea Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A trailing herbaceous plant with small, round, glossy leaves and delicate stems, often used in hanging baskets or as ground cover.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Urticales
Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Pilea
Botanical Name: Pilea nummulariifolia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor hanging basket or shelf, or shaded outdoor area in warm climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–27°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat or coco coir for moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to new light conditions; protect from intense direct sun to prevent leaf burn; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; avoid dark corners.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Soil

well-draining, peat-based potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost occasionally.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C) but thrives in moderate warmth.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain moderate warmth; protect from drafts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jar, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Regular pruning to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove leggy growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead or yellowing leaves; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring before the growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in fresh soil with good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water evenly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the pot.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure proper aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or yellowing leaves in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced water uptake.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or curl; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Pilea nummulariifolia may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Pilea nummulariifolia is often a sign of water stress, either due to underwatering or root rot from overwatering, which can lead to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Pilea nummulariifolia may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in unsightly discoloration, premature leaf drop, and reduced photosynthetic capacity.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Pilea nummulariifolia due to excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Pilea nummulariifolia is non-toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

This plant is safe for cats to be around and ingest in small quantities, though large amounts may cause mild digestive upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Pilea nummulariifolia is non-toxic to dogs. No adverse effects are expected from ingestion or contact with this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

This plant is safe for dogs to be around and ingest in small quantities, though large amounts may cause mild digestive upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Pilea nummulariifolia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

This plant is safe for human handling and consumption, though excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Pilea nummulariifolia?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days.

Q: Does this plant require direct sunlight?

A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade.

Q: Can Pilea nummulariifolia be grown indoors?

A: Yes, it thrives indoors in hanging baskets or as a trailing plant on shelves.

Quick Reference
Family: Urticaceae
Care: easy
Light: bright, indirect light; tolera
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers"]
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