Friendship Plant

Pilea involucrata (py-LEE-uh in-vol-yoo-KRAY-tuh)

Family: Urticaceae Unknown Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

The Friendship Plant is a trailing evergreen perennial that is easy to grow as a houseplant and has uniquely textured ornamental foliage. It is native to Central and South America and is a member of the Urticaceae or nettle family. The leaves are velvety with a crinkled texture, ovate, dark green with bronze tones, usually bright green edges on the upper surface, and the undersides are red. The tiny pinkish-white cymes bloom during the summer, but as a houseplant, they typically do not flower. The genus name, Pilea , comes from the Latin word pileus which means "cap." This references the shape of the female flowers. The specific epithet, involucrata , translates as "involcre" which describes the whorl or rosette of bracts around the flowers. Grow indoors in a warm, humid environment in bright indirect light. Use a peaty soil-based potting mix and place it in an area of high humidity. Water moderately in the growing season, less in fall to late winter. Pinching stem tips will keep the plant in a more compact form. It is easily propagated from stem cuttings, making sharing with friends a breeze, thus the common name of the friendship plant. Consider using this houseplant in your home or office. It is adored for its easy care, textured leaves, and compact growth habit. Quick ID Hints: bushy, trailing herbaceous perennial ovate, serrate, crinkled texture, dark green textured leaves with bronze shading and light green edges the undersides of the leaves are usually dark red tiny pinkish-green cymes Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious pest problems. Some pests could include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids and mealybugs. Leaf spot and stem rot could occur.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 42 attributes.