Clearweed
pilea pumila
Also known as: ["Richweed","Poor-man's-ivy"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant with delicate, heart-shaped leaves and inconspicuous flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Urticales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Pilea |
| Botanical Name: | Pilea pumila |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, indirect light area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust for lower light in winter.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to prevent leaf burn; avoid direct sunlight; place in a spot with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in shade during summer.
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; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but dislikes drafts or extreme heat.
Avoid placing near vents or windows with extreme temperature changes; maintain stable room temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burning; 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
- Take a cutting with at least one node, remove lower leaves, place in medium, 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; new growth in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy stems and spent flowers to encourage bushier growth and prevent self-seeding indoors.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune selectively, remove dead/damaged growth, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the main growing season.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil, gently tease out roots, place in a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; helps refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
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 coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning leaf edges in cold; yellowing or stunted growth in heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil stays cold and wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location away from drafts; ensure soil doesn't stay wet; use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow or stop.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently; move to a cooler spot if possible.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPilea pumila is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxic compounds that would cause harm to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPilea pumila is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic substances in this plant that would pose a risk to canine health if ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPilea pumila is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pilea pumila toxic to pets?
A: No, Pilea pumila is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Pilea pumila?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Pilea pumila attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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