Pilea pubescens 'Silver Tree'

Origin and background of Pilea pubescens 'Silver Tree'

Pilea pubescens 'Silver Tree' has been grown as an ornamental cultivar since at least the early 1980s. Its breeder, place of selection and exact introduction date have not been established.

Indoor care for Pilea pubescens 'Silver Tree'

• Potting mix: Keep the mix loose and airy. Dense, compressed mix can slow healthy root growth, so replace it once it becomes heavy and compacted.
• Watering: Let the surface begin to dry, then water evenly and allow the pot to drain. Lift the pot as a second way to judge when it is getting dry.
• Light: Bright indirect light supports close branching and strong silver markings. Turn the pot as the outer stems extend.
• Room conditions: A warm, stable room with average to moderately humid air is suitable. Choose a position sheltered from cold draughts and strong heater air.
• Shaping and feeding: Pinch or trim just above the point where a leaf joins the stem when you want more side shoots. Feed lightly while the stems are growing.
• Repotting and propagation: Repot when roots crowd the container or the old mix has become dense. Healthy stem tips can be rooted in fresh, lightly moist potting mix.

Troubleshooting Pilea pubescens 'Silver Tree'

• Water pools on the surface or runs through the pot unevenly: The mix has become compacted. Replace it with fresh loose material.
• Stems grow longer with wider gaps between the leaves: Light is too weak. Move the plant to brighter indirect light and shorten bare sections just above the point where a leaf joins the stem once new growth is active.
• Leaves turn crisp and drop while the pot feels very light: The root ball has dried too far. Rewet the mix evenly and begin checking moisture sooner.
• Soft dark tissue develops at the stem base in persistently wet mix: Root or stem rot is developing. Cut all damaged tissue back to firm healthy growth with a clean tool, discard the rot and root healthy tips in fresh, loose potting mix.

Pilea pubescens ‘Silver Tree’ is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

The meaning and history of Pilea pubescens

Pilea alludes to a felt cap through Latin pileus, referring to the small cap-like flower structure over its dry fruit. The Latin epithet pubescens means becoming downy and refers to fine hairiness on the plant.

John Lindley established the genus Pilea in 1821 in Collectanea Botanica, plate 4.

Frederik Michael Liebmann first described Pilea pubescens in 1851 in Mexicos Neldeagtige Planter, page 18.