Updated: July 15, 2023

Pilea sharing plants, also known as Chinese money plants or pancake plants, have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique round leaves and easy care requirements. These plants are not only beautiful additions to any indoor space, but they are also relatively easy to propagate, making them a great option for plant lovers who want to expand their collection or share their love for plants with friends and family.

Propagating pilea sharing plants can be done through various methods, including stem cuttings, division, and leaf cuttings. In this article, we will discuss the most common and effective way to propagate pilea sharing plants – stem cuttings.

Stem Cuttings: The Basics

Stem cuttings involve taking a portion of the plant’s stem and encouraging it to grow roots and establish itself as a new plant. This method is commonly used for propagating many types of houseplants, including pilea sharing plants. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Choose the Right Time: The best time to take stem cuttings from your pilea sharing plant is during its active growing season, which is usually in spring or early summer. During this time, the plant is more likely to root quickly and establish itself successfully.

  2. Prepare Your Tools: To propagate your pilea sharing plant through stem cuttings, you will need a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or scissors. It’s important to use clean tools to prevent the spread of diseases or pests.

  3. Select a Healthy Stem: Look for a healthy stem on your pilea sharing plant that is about 3-5 inches long. It should have several leaves and no signs of damage or disease. Cutting just below a node (where leaves emerge) will increase your chances of success.

  4. Remove Lower Leaves: After selecting the stem, remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. This will prevent the leaves from rotting when you place the cutting in water or soil.

  5. Rooting in Water: Fill a small container with clean water and place the stem cutting in it. Make sure that only the bottom of the stem is submerged in water. Place the container in a bright location, away from direct sunlight. Change the water every few days to prevent the growth of bacteria.

  6. Rooting in Soil: If you prefer rooting your pilea sharing plant directly in soil, prepare a small pot with well-draining soil. Insert the stem cutting into the soil, making sure it is deep enough to support the cutting and keep it upright. Mist the soil lightly to provide some moisture.

  7. Provide Optimal Conditions: Regardless of whether you choose water or soil propagation, it’s important to provide proper conditions for your pilea sharing plant to root successfully. Keep the cutting in a warm and humid environment, away from drafts. You can cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain humidity.

  8. Monitor and Care: Check on your pilea sharing plant regularly and ensure that the water or soil remains moist but not soggy. Within a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant your new pilea sharing plant into its own pot filled with well-draining soil.

Tips for Successful Propagation

While propagating pilea sharing plants through stem cuttings is relatively straightforward, there are a few additional tips that can increase your chances of success:

  • Use a rooting hormone: If you want to boost your chances of successful rooting, you can dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone before placing it in water or soil. Rooting hormones contain growth-promoting substances that encourage root development.

  • Patience is key: It’s important to be patient during the propagation process. Some cuttings may root quickly, while others may take longer. Give your cutting enough time to establish itself before transplanting it.

  • Provide adequate light: Once your new pilea sharing plant has rooted and established itself, gradually introduce it to brighter light. Pilea sharing plants thrive in bright, indirect light, so make sure to place them in a suitable location to ensure their continued growth and health.

  • Experiment with different methods: While stem cuttings are the most common method for propagating pilea sharing plants, don’t be afraid to experiment with other methods such as division or leaf cuttings. Different plants may respond better to different propagation techniques, so feel free to try out various methods and see what works best for you.

In conclusion, propagating pilea sharing plants can be an exciting and rewarding experience for plant enthusiasts. By following the steps outlined in this article and providing optimal conditions for your cuttings, you can successfully propagate pilea sharing plants and expand your indoor garden. So go ahead and give it a try – you might end up with a beautiful collection of thriving pilea sharing plants in no time!