Pilea Glauca: How To Identify This Plant?

This member of the Pilea family goes by many names. Some of the most common names used to refer to it are Pilea Silver Sparkle, Grey Baby Tears, and Grey Artillery Plant. The name Pilea Glauca is just another of its many common names, not its scientific name. This little plant doesn’t actually have a confirmed scientific name, but Pilea libanensis is probably the most accurate.

How to Identify Pilea Glauca

Pilea Glauca Plant

The key features of this plant are that it is a tropical vining plant with tiny, green, round to oblong-shaped leaves that are peppered with silver speckles.

How to Grow Pilea Glauca from Seed

Seed Tray

Follow these steps to grow your own Pilea Glauca from the ground up.

  1. Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
  2. Soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours
  3. Fill a seed starting tray or a small plant container with a seed starting soil mix
  4. Plant the seeds in the soil mix
  5. Water the soil so that it is moist but not soggy
  6. Place plastic wrap or the lid of the tray over the top of the container
  7. Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
  8. Once sprouts appear above the soil level, acclimatize them to open-air
  9. Once the plants are established, move them to a more permanent plant container

How to Propagate Pilea Glauca

This plant can be propagated via three different methods. These are propagation via stem cutting in soil, propagation via stem cuttings in water, and via pups. Let’s look at each of these in detail.

Propagation in Soil

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This process should be done during spring so as to reduce the chance of shock.  The steps for doing this are as follows:

  1. Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
  2. Dip the bottom of the stem cutting in a rooting powder
  3. Plant the cutting in a container filled with potting soil
  4. Water the potting soil and keep it moist but not soggy
  5. Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
  6. Care for as a regular Pilea Glauca plant

Propagation in Water

This process should be done during spring so as to reduce the chance of shock.  The steps for doing this are as follows:

  1. Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
  2. Set the stem in a container filled with water
  3. Cover the plant with plastic wrap that has a few holes in it for ventilation
  4. Set the container in a place that gets bright but indirect sunlight
  5. Once roots appear, plant the stem in a container filled with sandy potting soil
  6. Care for as a regular Pilea Glauca plant

Pups

This method doesn’t require any extra effort on your part. Just care for the plant properly and it will reproduce itself naturally through small baby plants called pups.

Pilea Glauca Growing Conditions

vivosun

These plants are rather easy to care for as long as they are provided with the right amount of sunlight, plenty of room for their roots to grow, and adequate warmth. Because they come from a warm and humid environment, it may be necessary to provide them with supplemental heat and warmth.

They require temperatures that range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels ranging between 60 and 90%. To provide these temperatures and humidity levels, consider using the following equipment:

How to Plant Pilea Glauca

A healthy Pilea Glauca will need to be repotted every two to three years. This is a chance to provide the plant with fresh soil that contains necessary nutrients for the health of the plant and to provide the plant with more room for its root system to spread out. Signs that a plant needs repotted are:

  • Stagnated growth
  • Compacted Soil
  • A plant that looks too big for its current container

The steps for repotting a Pilea Glauca are:

  1. Fill a new container that is two inches larger than its previous container with potting soil
  2. Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
  3. Carefully remove the plant from its current container by laying the plant on its side and then pulling the pot off the root system
  4. Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
  5. Set the plant into the hole in the new container
  6. Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
  7. Water the plant
  8. Set it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight

Pilea Glauca Potting & Soil

Potting

Soil pH levels are not a big concern for Pilea Glauca plants, but what does matter to these plants is whether or not the soil drains well while still being able to retain a little moisture.  When deciding on which type of potting soil to use for your Pilea Glauca, be sure to look for soil that includes peat and perlite.

The following are some really great soil options to use with Pilea Glauca plants:

Just getting the soil right will not prevent drainage issues for your plant.  Remember, to get a plant container that can also drain off excess water.

Pilea Glauca Water Requirements

The most important thing to remember about watering this plant is the quality of the water given to it. Pilea Glauca is very sensitive to minerals in the water, and therefore, should only be watered with rainwater or distilled water that has been allowed to reach room temperature. If these types of water are unavailable for you, then you can use tap water as long as it has been set out for at least 24 hours so that some of the minerals have time to evaporate.

To reduce the risk of root rot, always test the plant’s soil before watering it.  If the top inch of the soil is dry, then the plant can use a drink; however, if the soil is still moist, the plant does not need any more water.  Different seasons of the year will require different amounts of water.  Winter usually requires fewer watering sessions than either spring or summer.

When you do water the plant’s soil, be sure to water it evenly and thoroughly so that excess water flows from the container’s drainage holes. You can also water it in the soak and dry method, but be sure to allow the soil time to fully drain off excess water.

Take advantage of modern technology by using a plant watering app.  This type of app can help track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.

Pilea Glauca Light Requirements

These plants should be set in a place that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.  These plants can, however, benefit from a few hours of direct sunshine in the morning. Just don’t leave them in direct sunlight for too long or during the hottest parts of the day since this will cause more harm than good.

Test your indoor lighting situation with a light meter to ensure that your plant is receiving the amount of sunlight it needs.

Best Pilea Glauca Fertilizer

Glauca Fertilizer

Give your Pilea Glauca plants a half or a quarter dose of a 10-10-10 fertilizer during springtime. Be sure to give this feeding after the plant has been watered.

Best Pilea Glauca Companion Plantings

These plants are typical of most tropical plants in that they can benefit from being clustered with other tropical plants. This not only has an aesthetic appeal, but it also provides them with much-needed extra humidity.  There are many options to consider as a companion plant for Pilea Glauca and the following three are just a small sampling.

Pothos Varieties

Pothos Varieties

This family of plants is considered one of the easiest to care for.  They are all very pretty vining plants from either Southeastern Asia or the South Pacific islands.

Pros:

  • Pothos plants are very unfussy plants
  • Pothos plants will provide each other with extra humidity
  • Pothos plants are known for their ability to clean indoor air

Cons:

  • Most Pothos varieties are toxic

Philodendron Varieties

Philodendron Varieties

This family of plants offers a wide variety of colors, leaf shape, size, and care requirements.  Most varieties are very easygoing and do not require much tedious care; others can be quite difficult to keep healthy and happy.  Look for a variety that best suits your skills and your needs.

Pros:

  • Philodendron plants can come in many different colors or variegations
  • Philodendron plants offer varieties that are easy to care for
  • Philodendron plants can purify the air from formaldehyde and other air pollutants
  • Philodendron Plants will provide each other with extra humidity

Cons:

  • Philodendron plants offer varieties that are difficult to care for
  • Philodendron plants offer varieties that are difficult to find and are expensive
  • Most Philodendron varieties are toxic

Baby Rubber Plant

Baby Rubber Plant

This cute and compact tropical plant is another ideal choice to use as a companion planting for your Pilea Glauca. It is a very easygoing plant that is highly decorative and it will gladly share some humidity with other tropical plants.

Pros:

  • Baby Rubber Plant is ideal for growing on a living wall
  • Baby Rubber Plant has care requirements that are similar to those of Pilea Glauca
  • Baby Rubber Plant is not toxic

Cons:

  • None

Pilea Glauca Diseases and Common Problems

Like every other plant, Pilea Glauca faces a few issues, but if you learn how to properly care for your plant, common pests and diseases should not be a huge problem.  Here are the most common issues faced by Pilea Glauca:

Aphids

This type of infestation looks likes tiny insects that are shaped like teardrops.  To deal with an infestation of aphids, follow these steps:

  1. Spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil and soapy water
  2. Wipe down the leaves of the plant
  3. Apply neem oil to the leaves to prevent another infestation

Leaves with Brown Spots

This could be a sign that the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight, too little humidity, or it has been over-fertilized.  It will be a process of elimination to determine what is causing the brown spots on its leaves.

  • A plant that is exposed to a lot of direct sunlight should be moved to a shadier area.
  • A plant that does not have enough humidity should be moved to a more humid area or given a humidifier.

A plant that has been over-fertilized may need to have its soil saturated with water.

Mealybugs

Evidence of an infestation of mealybugs is small white spots that look like cotton on leaves and stems. To deal with an infestation of mealybugs, follow these steps:

  1. Spray a solution of alcohol and water on the leaves
  2. Rub the leaves with a cotton ball
  3. Coat the leaves in neem oil or insecticidal soap every few days

Root Rot

Evidence of this problem is leaves that have turned brown or black.  To treat this problem, let the soil dry out completely and set the plant in a place where it will get plenty of airflows.  If it is still struggling with too much water in its container, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the plant from its container
  2. Wash off all the dirt from its roots
  3. Cut off any roots that are rotten
  4. Replant the plant in a clean container with fresh soil
  5. Wait to water it for a few days

Spider Mites

This type of infestation looks like webbing spread over the plant’s leaves and stems. To deal with this type of infestation, follow these steps:

  1. Spray the plant with a mixture of 1 quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsp. Of neem oil
  2. Wipe off the leaves and stems
  3. Repeat as necessary

 Yellowed or Yellowing Leaves

This is a sign that the plant has been overwatered.  If its water regimen is adjusted it should recover.

Pilea Glauca Treatments and Maintenance

Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade

The best way to prevent harmful diseases and pest infestations is to provide the plant with regular care and cleaning.  Here are a few tips to help keep your plant as healthy as it can be.

  • Check it for signs of disease and infestations regularly, and treat them quickly.
  • Clean the plant’s leaves regularly with neem oil.
  • Learn how to properly water and feed your plant.
  • Make sure your plant is set in an area with adequate amounts of sunlight, heat, and humidity.
  • Mix diatomaceous earth into the soil of potted plants.

Where to Buy Pilea Glauca Seeds Online

Seeds for this plant are difficult to find.  When you search for seed sellers, look for those who have good ratings and price their seeds between $1 and $2 per seed.  A few online shops that are a good place to begin your search are:

Where to Buy Mature Pilea Glauca Online

Find your next plant friend, Pilea Glauca at one of these online shops:

FAQs

Question: Is Pilea Glauca Toxic?

Answer: You’ll be happy to know that this plant is not toxic.

Question: Does Pilea Glauca Have Air Purifying Qualities?

Answer: Yes, it can purify indoor air.

Question: Which USDA Hardiness Zone Can Pilea Glauca be Planted In?

Answer: Since this is not a cold-hardy plant, it should only be planted in the ground in zones 10 or 11. It will need to be transported inside during cold weather.

In Conclusion

Pilea Glauca is a lovely little plant that is capable of bringing the Brazilian rainforest into a home anywhere in the world. It is cute, it is unique, and most important of all it is unfussy.

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