Pilea cadierei (Aluminum Plant)

Pilea cadierei is a compact tropical foliage plant native to Vietnam, best known for its distinctive metallic silver markings that appear splashed or brushed across deep green leaves. The oval, slightly quilted leaves are arranged oppositely along upright stems, giving the plant a neat, symmetrical look and strong visual contrast. Its common name, Aluminum Plant, refers to the reflective silver patches that catch the light and make the foliage stand out even in shaded interiors. Flowers are small and insignificant, and the plant is grown almost entirely for its decorative leaves.

Pilea cadierei prefers bright, indirect light, which maintains sharp leaf patterning without scorching the foliage. It grows best in a loose, well drained but moisture retentive substrate and appreciates regular watering, with the soil allowed to dry slightly between waterings but never fully dry out. Warm temperatures and moderate humidity support healthy growth, while pinching helps keep the plant compact and bushy. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-12, with a minimum temperature of about 40-45F; it is not frost tolerant and is typically grown as a houseplant or protected container plant outside tropical climates.