Pilea glauca 'Silver Sparkle'
3.5” PILEA GLAUCA/SILVER SPARKLE PILEA
Pilea libanensis
USDA Zones 10 & 11
This variety of Pilea is very different than your other types. While the most popular type, Pilea peperomiodes, has larger foliage on long stems, & Pilea microphylla ‘Variegata’, while it has similar leaves it stands more upright on succulent stems, this Pilea glauca has tiny leaves that trail down or creep. This creates a beautiful addition to any container arrangement or ground cover for in-ground gardens.
These cascading greenish-blue leaves on reddish stems become even more fascinating as soon as it blooms. The tiny coral flowers add a fantastic detail to this already beautiful plant. It looks great in a hanging basket, container arrangement, in your garden — virtually anywhere you choose to plant her she’s a fantastic addition. I’ve even heard it’s a great plant for a terrarium. With that being said, we’ve never tried the terrarium condition, but I’ve read this works well.
So how do you keep her happy?
GROWING PILEA GLAUCA
LIGHT
Indoors — place this plant in-front of a window that receives bright indirect light all day. Don’t place her too close to the window, as glass magnifies the suns power & could cause the leaves to burn. Even up to a few hours of morning sun will benefit her.
Outside — Outdoors is a different story. Pilea glauca is not a fan of full direct sunlight for extended hours of time. It will burn up right in front of your eyes! Indirect sunlight & partial shade are recommended for Pilea glauca planted outdoors.
WATER
Pilea glauca isn’t a fan of too much water. Overwatering will be the easiest way to kill your new trailing plant. If it’s kept too wet it will easily rot. So NEVER let your plant sit in standing water for extended periods of time. To prevent this from happening, make sure the container you plant her in has a drainage hole. Water your Pilea when the feel the first 1-2” (depending on size of pot) is dry. Don’t let the entire pot dry out, but once it’s dried about half way it’s time to saturate your soil again.
SOIL
You can use a succulent mix for this if you’re feeling fancy, as the soil does need to dry out fairly quickly, but this isn’t exactly necessary. We use a regular, well drained potting soil. Plant her in an unglazed or clay pot & this will help with drainage, as well.
PROPAGATION
Pilea glauca can be propagated easily by taking stem cuttings & simply laying them on top of the soil.
Cut segments that are 1-2” long & lay them on your soils surface. Be sure the surface is flat, so they have good contact with the soil.
Keep the soil relatively moist & having higher humidity during these propagation times can quicken the process. You can place your cuttings pot in a clear plastic bag to simulate a humidity filled environment until the cuttings have rooted. Be sure to open the bag every day or 2 to let it air out. This process will benefit more than simply misting your plant.
YOU WILL RECEIVE A 3.5” SIZE PLANT BARE ROOT WITHOUT A POT.