Growing Pilea microphylla (Artillery Fern)

Several of the many tropical Pilea species are grown for their attractive foliage (which resembles that of Ferns), although their flowers are of no great interest. The Pilea species we offer, P. microphylla, has dainty, fleshy leaves densely packed along its succulent stems. Troughs and dish gardens display these gems to best advantage.

Light/Watering: Morning sun to light shade outdoors; bright light indoors. Water when top inch of soil is dry to the touch and sparingly in winter.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Moist, well-drained soil. No fertilizer is needed the first few months after planting, then feed at monthly intervals with a water-soluble house plant fertilizer.

Temperature: Day and night temperatures of 60-75°F are fine year round.

Continuing Care: Mist leaves regularly to maintain humidity and pinch to keep the plant bushy. Susceptible to mealy bugs and spider mites, stem rot, and bacterial leaf spot.