Pilea involucrata 'Moon valley', an easy-to-care-for tropical plant.

Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley', also known as the Moon Valley plant, is a beautiful and decorative houseplant known for its deeply textured leaves resembling the surface of the moon.

It is well-suited for terrariums and hanging baskets due to its compact size and visually appealing foliage. The plant is bushy and trailing, typically growing to a height and spread of 25-30 centimeters.

Each leaf has many small, pointed bumps ("bullae"), each with a hair on top. Between these bullae, the leaf is sunken and reddish in color. Depending on the amount of light it receives, this red coloration can also affect larger parts of the leaf.

Botanical description

This plant is often also sold as Pilea mollis or simply Pilea 'Moon Valley'. Which of the two botanical names for this plant is actually correct is debated. It is often confused with Pilea mollis due to its similar appearance and the shared common name "friendship plant".

Pilea involucrata is a species in the nettle family Urticaceae. The habitat for this plant is as a groundcover in tropical parts of Colombia & Venezuela.

The species has light green leaves with a corrugated texture, often with bronze or reddish undersides. It occasionally produces small, pinkish-white or white flowers, but these are rare when grown indoors. The inflorescences are rather insignificant, small and white with short flower stalks.

Care

Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley' is easy to care for both in terrariums and indoors. It thrives best in a bright location with indirect sun, but it cannot tolerate direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves.

Prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water regularly but do not let the plant sit in stagnant water.

Thrives in temperatures between 18-27°C and moderate to high humidity.

Easily propagated by division or stem cuttings. This makes it easy to share the plant with friends, hence the English name "friendship plant".

In Sweden's climate, it is grown as an indoor plant where it can add a tropical and elegant touch to your home. The plant is relatively easy to care for and is well-suited to indoor climates. Buy Pilea 'Moon Valley' online!