Pilea cadierei, commonly called aluminum plant, is native to Vietnam. The foliage looks like it has been splashed with aluminum paint, hence the common name. This is an upright, herbaceous perennial that is noted for its textured green and silver foliage. It typically grows in a shrubby clump to 12” tall. Elliptic to obovate, toothed, dark green leaves (to 3” long), with each leaf having four rows of upraised silver patches. Leaf appearance gives rise to an additional common name of watermelon pilea. Tiny green flowers may appear in cymes. Indoor plants rarely flower and fruit.

About the Plant - 

Common Name- Aluminum Plant 

Scientific Name- Pilea Cadierei

Maturity Height-  1 - 2 ft .

Pilea Cadierei, Aluminum Plant Care- 

Sunlight- Aluminum Plant plant requires at least four hours of indirect, but bright, sunlight a day. Do not permit this plant to be exposed to overly bright or direct sunlight. Too much sun will burn the leaves and cause the green parts to turn brown.

Water- The Aluminum plant needs to be watered differently during different times of the year. During spring and summer, the top quarter inch of the soil should be kept moist. During fall and winter, allow the top quarter inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Do not permit water to stand in the saucer underneath the plant.

Soil - Aluminum plant requires well Drained Fertile sandy soil. 

Propagation - Aluminum plant is propagated through cuttings. Take the cuttings in the early spring. Allow them to rest in a water source for one week, or until roots form. Then transplant to their own container of sandy soil mixture.