How do you care for and grow friendship plants? Friendship plant got its name from the rapid rooting of cuttings that can be established for new plants that can be gifted to friends and family. This plant is easy to care for and quite safe for pets hence why it’s one of the most popular houseplants.
The quilted fuzzy foliage of the friendship plant is another reason plant lovers find it ideal to be planted indoor.
However, not everyone is equipped with knowledge on how to care for and grow friendship plants. Friendship plant is also easy to propagate but learning how to care for them is important before choosing this plant.
Many wonderful indoor plants are easy to care for but if you are looking to surround yourself and your friends with one that is easy to maintain, friendship plants are perfect to go for.
The friendship plant is originally from Central and South Africa where it is called Panamiga. The needs of friendship plants are pretty basic and the textured foliage can be used to add appeal to your home decor. Hence, read on to learn how to grow and care for it properly.
Friendship Plants (Pilea involucrata)
Pilea involucrata is popularly known as the friendship plant and it originated from Central and South Africa.
It is listed as a low maintenance houseplant however there are certain factors you need to consider before growing a friendship plant indoors.
Friendship plant grows to a cute size of about 6 inches high and rarely up to 12 inches. Its velvety leaves with the striking bronze accent pair nicely with any home decor and although this plant is not large, it tends to sprawl. This is by far the most interesting houseplant to grow.
This plant has leaves that are deeply crinkled and veined, with its small 1-3 inches bronze with green edges that look edgy but are soft to the touch and add more beauty to the plant. Friendship plants are low-maintenance plants, but there are certain things you need to put in place.
Friendship Plants: How to Grow And Care For Them
Friendship plant does have different species but caring for each is the same way. A friendship plant is a true gem to have around your home but first, you need to learn how to care for and grow this plant properly. The plant grows fast and spreads its babies so you can dash your friends and family. Below are its needs and how to grow them.
1. Temperature And Humidity
Give friendship plants ample humidity and evenly moist soil, it will grow. You will have to provide humidity for friendship plants to ensure they thrive and since most homes are dry, you should have them planted in a terrarium. It is not exactly picky on soil content but they do like partial shade.
The needs of friendship plants are down to humidity, high humidity is essential for friendship plants and 6 to 8 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
2. Lighting
Friendship plants are quite interesting when it comes to growing and caring for them. Pilea friendship plants tend to thrive in slightly loose well-drained soil and it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. It needs enough humidity and sunlight but no direct sunlight.
To keep your friendship plant healthy and happy, humidity is the first factor you need to consider, and next is how much light it needs. This small houseplant is best planted near your window facing North.
3. Watering
If you are growing it in a terrarium then the needs are limited but if it’s not then you need to water it regularly and fertilize it as well. They enjoy natural fertilizer so fertilize once a month and it loves being propagated in water. This plant loves moisture but you should make sure not to overwater it.
4. Growth
They are crawlers so you need to also give them enough space to grow. Friendship plants got their name from rapid rooting which is why you need to provide them with enough space so they can grow by putting out new stems and leaves.
Friendship Plant FAQs
Plant parent to one of the most beautiful plants we’ve written about here on TheHomeTome? Here are some of your questions answered.
Why is my friendship plant dying?
Overwatering is a common concern for friendship plants hence this can be the reason your houseplant is dying. Pilea friendship plants tend to perish in constant wet soil so it’s best to limit how often you water it, especially in cooler months. Underwatering is harmful to friendship plants too so allow water to drain before watering again.
Can you propagate Friendship plant in water?
Yes, you can propagate friendship plants in water since they love water just like any other houseplants. Friendship plant is a fan of moisture and propagating it in water can create a huge network for the roots and also it’s easy to propagate from stem cutting.
How often should you water a friendship plant?
Let the soil dry out before watering again. Friendship plants can easily get overwatered so during summer, water every 3 to 4 days so it doesn’t stay too long without water and the soil has enough time to drain the water in it too. Water once a week in cold months.
Why is my Friendship Plant dropping leaves?
If your pilea friendship plant is dropping leaves then this could be as a result of too high or too low temperature. Temperature and humidity are very important for growing healthy friendship plants. Keep your plants away from extreme heat and cold.
Wrapping Up
The friendship plant earned its name from its growing attribute and how it can be gifted to friends and family.
This houseplant produces small clutter of tiny blush pink flowers in summer and with proper care, it can live up to 10 years or more. To keep friendship plants happy, grow in dry conditions.
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