Plant guides / Chinese money plant
Aluminum plant guide
Pilea cadierei, also called watermelon pilea, Pilea cadierei
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- 40% or higher
- Temperature
- 15 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix with perlite
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 20 to 30 cm (9 to 12 in) tall
- Propagation
- Pot up the pups that grow from the roots and stem
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes aluminum plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the Chinese money plant care guide.
What it is
Aluminum plant is a pilea with oval, quilted, dark green leaves marked with raised silver patches between the veins. The silver looks like metal. Select-A-Plant lists it at 23 to 30 cm (9 to 12 in) tall, with a dense habit. It is also sold as watermelon pilea.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum plant | Oval, quilted, silver patches | Silver between the veins, green stems |
| Watermelon peperomia | Round, smooth, silver stripes, red stems | Red stems and smooth stripes |
| Friendship plant | Quilted, bronze-green | No silver patches |
Care differences
It grows fast and gets leggy. Pinch the tips often to keep it bushy. Start fresh from cuttings every year or two.
It likes moist soil and a bit more humidity than Chinese money plant.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem tip and root it in water or moist soil. Roots form in one to two weeks.
Pet safety
The ASPCA lists aluminum plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Buying it
Aluminum plant is common at garden centers, often in small pots. Look for compact plants with bright silver.