Pilea sp. (Pilea)

Pilea is a diverse genus in the nettle family Urticaceae, comprising several hundred species distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Members of the genus range from delicate, creeping groundcovers to upright, bushy plants, but most are relatively small and valued for their ornamental foliage rather than flowers. Leaves are typically soft textured and highly variable in shape and surface, from smooth and glossy to deeply textured, quilted, or metallic, which explains the popularity of many species in indoor cultivation. The flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, often greenish, and of little decorative value.

In cultivation, Pilea species are best known as adaptable houseplants that thrive in bright, indirect light and evenly warm conditions. They prefer well drained, organic rich substrates and moderate watering, with the soil allowed to dry slightly between waterings but never remain waterlogged. Many species are sensitive to cold and sudden temperature fluctuations. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-12 for most species, with minimum temperatures typically around 40 45F outside these zones, Pilea is grown as an indoor plant or a protected container plant, where stable warmth and humidity help maintain compact growth and healthy foliage.