Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley', commonly known as 'Moon Valley' friendship plant, is a captivating and compact houseplant, cherished for its unique, deeply textured, and colourful foliage. This Pilea cultivar features oval-shaped leaves with a distinctive puckered or quilted surface, displaying prominent dark green veins that create valleys against a lighter green and often reddish-brown background. Its appealing texture and vibrant colours make it a popular choice for terrariums, small pots on desks, or shelves in homes across the UK. It is a member of the Urticaceae family.
The genus name Pilea comes from the Latin word pileus, referring to a felt cap, possibly alluding to the shape of the perianth covering the achene. Involucrata refers to the involucre, a set of bracts surrounding a flower cluster. 'Moon Valley' describes the deeply textured surface of the leaves, resembling a lunar landscape.
Light: Pilea 'Moon Valley' thrives in bright, indirect light. Strong, direct sunlight can scorch its leaves and cause colours to fade, while insufficient light may result in leggy growth and less vibrant coloration. A spot near a bright window with filtered light in a typical UK home is ideal.
Water: Keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, which can be a concern in the UK's climate.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter is essential. A standard houseplant mix amended with perlite can improve drainage.
Fertilising: Use a diluted liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks during the active growing period in spring and summer. Reduce or stop fertilising during the cooler, less active months.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F). It should be protected from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C (50°F), which can occur indoors, particularly during colder UK months.
Humidity: Pilea 'Moon Valley' appreciates moderate to higher humidity levels. If the air is dry, especially during winter with central heating, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water.
Growth Habit: It has a compact, bushy, and somewhat upright growth habit, forming a neat clump of textured foliage. It generally remains a small, tabletop plant.
Toxicity: Pilea 'Moon Valley' is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. However, it is always a good practice to prevent ingestion.