Pilea spruceana
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Pilea spruceana

Clearweed · Friendship plant · Lucifers napkin · Silver Tree

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
3 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
499
Observations
420

Description

Source: leafsnap

Pilea spruceana (silver tree) is a species of evergreen plant in the family Urticaceae, which grows up to 1 foot in height, with a spread of up to 1.5 feet.

Care Guide

💧 Water 1-2 times a week

The Silver Tree thrives in consistently humid conditions, needing weekly watering and benefiting from regular misting. Native to moist forest floors, it exhibits moderate drought tolerance but flourishes best indoors. This environment enhances its vibrant evergreen foliage and supports its growth cycles.

Suggested frequency: 1-2 times a week
☀️ Light Partial sun

The Silver Tree occurs naturally in habitats like forest understories and rocky sites, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, illustrating its versatile and hardy character.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Silver Tree comes from tropical regions where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high heat and humidity. It is sensitive to sudden temperature shifts and favors a steady temperature, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It typically cannot tolerate cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Humidity: normal (40-60%)
🪴 Soil 5-7
Soil pH: 5-7
🌱 Fertilizer Every 30 days

The Silver Tree needs the most fertilizer during its active growth phase, which occurs mainly in spring, summer, and early fall. Fertilizing is required to supply essential nutrients the soil may lack, promoting healthy root and stem development as well as attractive foliage, a key feature of this particular plant.

Suggested frequency: Every 30 days
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

When repotting Silver Tree, pick a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger that has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm location with indirect sunlight.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

This plant does not need pruning or trimming for good development. If you choose to cultivate this plant in a certain manner or form, you may cut its leaves yourself. The beginning of the growth season is the optimal period for pruning.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

This gorgeous tropical vine has the bonus of being non-toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and people. It may be grown indoors without the risk of an allergic or harmful reaction.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Pilea
Family
Urticaceae
Hardiness Zone
11
Mature Height
25 cm
Mature Spread
25 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Green, White
Flower Size
0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru

Tags (8)

Common Names (4)

en Clearweed
en Friendship plant
en Lucifers napkin
en Silver Tree