Pilea microphylla 'Variegata'

3.5” PILEA MICROPHYLLA VARIEGATA
Tricolored Artillery Fern
USDA Zones 10a-12
 
This beautiful tricolored plant gets to be 3-6” tall with a spread of 9-12”. It thrives in partial shade to indirect sunlight (direct sun will burn the leaves). 
 
The eye catching pink, green, & white foliage will intensify with more light. It has light green, almost succulent, stems & tiny 1/8” foliage that contribute to its nickname, Artillery Fern, though it’s not related to ferns. 
 
While the pink foliage looks like flowers, they are actually many tiny leaves that form into what looks like a bloom. 
 
This pilea does great in container gardens, hanging baskets, ground covers, green roofs, or by itself! 
 
Plant her in we’ll drained soil & water once or twice a week, depending on the amount of sun it gets.
 
Propagate her by dividing the root ball or from herbaceous stem cuttings. 
 
Perfect plant for miniature gardens or fairy gardens. It looks like a mini cherry blossom tree! Trim it up in your miniature garden as a makeshift cherry blossom-esque bonsai tree 😉
 
 
 
In case you are unfamiliar with Pilea microphylla ’Variegata’, we’ve made a short, easy brief on how to take care of your new plant baby once you take her out of her package. 
 
WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR PILEA 🌸🌱
A well draining soil or houseplant mixture is necessary to keeping your plant happy. Plant her in a container that has a drainage hole with a well drained potting soil. We use your average soil, but to insure proper drainage we add ~1-2” of PermaTill (small slate gravel) at the bottom of the pot. This helps guarantee that when you water your plant the water won’t sit at the bottom of the pot & will move quickly through the gravel & then out of the drainage hole. It also prevents small bits of soil from running out of the drainage hole every time you water. Additionally, the gravel can be used as the top layer above your soil for a decorative piece & to keep soil from flowing out of the top of your pot as you water. With that being said, the slate gravel is just a precaution & if you are using a well drained soil or houseplant mix you should be fine without it. 
 
WATERING YOUR PILEA 💧
After planting the Whale Fin go ahead & water her. She’s been on a long journey & could use a drink. Keeping the soil moist, but not soaked, is important. Water again when the soil is dry to the touch.  
 
LIGHT? WHAT AREA SHOULD SHE LIVE IN? 🌞
Pilea microphylla ‘Variegata’ care isn’t difficult once you find the right place for it. 
Outside — growing artillery ferns should be located in a part shade to shaded area, receiving only morning sun. 
Indoors — place in a location where it gets bright & filtered, indirect sunlight from a window or shady patio during warm months. Choose a southern window, away from drafts. 
 
WANT TO PROPAGATE? 🌱🌱🌱
Prune your Pilea plant that is developing & use the stem clippings that are wholesome to propagate new plants. Trim the plant & make cuts that are flush in the location that is specified. Cut the clippings as far back as you want, as these crops react well to pruning. Stick the clippings in a peat based soil mixture. Place the clippings just deep enough into the soil to ensure up right positioning therefore the clippings don’t topple over before rooting. Place the container in a warm place with excellent air circulation & shade. Allow your cuttings 6-8 weeks to produce a root program. 
 
Remember every plant is a unique, different living thing & may have varying needs. Pay attention to your Pilea & it’s watering/light needs & you’ll have a very happy plant 💚