Friendship Plant
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) is a perennial flowering plant native to South China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. It has oval, dark green leaves that may have a silver or brown sheen to them that are covered in soft downy hairs and make the perfect addition to any greenery loving household. It is typically sold in 6 inch pots and is easy to propagate.
Friendship plants require regular watering. Their soil should never be allowed to dry out completely, but should be kept moist at all times. Overwatering will cause root rot, so make sure to test the soil with your fingers before watering to make sure that the top inch or so is dry.
Friendship Plants prefer bright, indirect light. Try to place them in a well-lit room, but make sure that they are not in direct sunlight as they have very delicate leaves and prolonged periods of direct sunlight can cause them to become sunburnt. Conversely, too little light will cause them to become leggy.
Friendship Plants prefer warm temperatures, although they can tolerate cooler temperatures. The optimal temperature range for them is 60-75°F (16-24°C). Any temperature much lower than this will stunt the plants growth and may even cause damage.
Friendship Plants love high humidity. They struggle in dry environments like those found in most homes. Increasing the humidity around your plant can be achieved by spritzing it with a water bottle, misting it, or placing a humidifier nearby.
Friendship plants prefer soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A good potting mix that is designed for houseplants should do the trick. Make sure to check the pH of the soil before planting, as Friendship plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5-7.0.
Friendship Plants should be fertilized lightly every month during the spring and summer months using a balanced houseplant fertilizer. During the winter months, you can reduce fertilization to every two months, as the plant will not be growing as actively. It’s best to use a liquid fertilizer for ease of application.
Friendship plants are susceptible to common houseplant pests including aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or warm water. Isopropyl alcohol is the least toxic option, but it may still damage delicate leaves so use it sparingly. In more severe cases, neem oil can be used to safely get rid of pests without harming the plant.
Friendship plants should be repotted every 1-2 years in order to ensure that they have plenty of space for their roots to grow and enough room to absorb all the necessary nutrients. Choose a new pot that is one inch larger than the current pot and use a potting mix that is specifically designed for houseplants.
Friendship plants should be pruned regularly to keep them in a healthy and manageable size. Use a pair of sharp scissors and prune the stems where necessary. Make sure that you are removing about one-third to two-thirds of the top of the plant. This will help to encourage new, healthy growth.
Mulching can help to keep the soil in the pot moist and cool. It can also help to prevent erosion. A good mulch for Friendship plants is a thin layer of compost or organic matter that covers the soil but does not completely cover the pot.
Friendship plants are easy to propagate from stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate from a stem cutting, cut several 4-6 inch pieces of stem and remove any leaves from the bottom 2 inches. Place the stems in a pot filled with moist potting soil and cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain humidity. Keep it in a bright, warm spot and the cuttings should take about 4-6 weeks to root.
Friendship plants don’t require any special support, although they may benefit from a trellis or stake if they start to get too leggy. Try to avoid tying the stems too tightly as this can damage the fragile leaves.
Friendship Plants have a dormancy period in the winter months. During this time, the plant won’t need as much water or fertilizer and should be kept in a cooler area. The temperature should be kept at around 55-60°F (13-16°C). After a few months, the plant should be ready to start growing again.
Friendship Plants are not toxic to pets, so they are a great choice for households with furry friends.
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