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

Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley', also known as the Moon Valley plant, is a beautiful and ornamental houseplant known for its deeply textured leaves reminiscent of 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 drooping, usually growing to a height and spread of 25-30 centimeters.

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

Botanical description

This plant is also often sold as Pilea mollis or just Pilea 'Moon Valley'. Which of the two botanical names for this plant is truly correct is disputed. 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 of this plant is as a ground cover in tropical parts of Colombia & Venezuela.

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

Care

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

Prefers well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist. Water regularly but do not let the plant stand in standing 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!