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 💚
Message tp Buyers
Thank you for shopping with Horticult! Please remember that unless otherwise stated in the description area of your plant's listing, all of our plants are shipped bare root without a pot. All plants sold in a hanging basket will include a pot.
Please remember the shipping of live plants can be tricky. We prefer to ship on Monday-Wednesday to minimize the time your new plant baby will spend in the box! We’ll stay in touch & keep you updated!
We will ship as economically as possible. If we are able to fit your order in less boxes than our site calculates, we will refund the extra shipping costs.
Finally, with what’s happening right now in the world the post office has never been busier. While most of our orders are shipped without a problem, we want to assure you we are prepared to rectify any issue that may occur. Please be patient & we will do everything we can to make sure you are happy with your purchase!
Stay safe everyone & thank you again for shopping with Horticult 💚
Packaging Process
All of your plants will be shipped bare root. We begin by removing excess soil & wrapping the roots/bit of leftover soil in a damp paper towel to ensure the roots don’t dry out on their journey. Next, we wrap the damp towel with plastic wrap. After your soil & roots are properly sealed, we wrap your plant in paper. Depending on how fragile the plant is, we may wrap it again in foam insulation or bubble wrap to ensure the plant won’t break. Once the plants have been wrapped, they are taped down into their box to keep them from moving around. Extra stuffing, receipts, heat packs, & optional gift messages are then added & VOILA! 💚