Chinese Money Plant problems & how to fix them

Pilea peperomioides

Drooping, yellowing, brown tips, or a plant that just won’t thrive? Here are the most common Chinese Money Plant problems, what usually causes them, and how to turn things around.

Common problems

Overwatering

Yellowing lower leaves and drop usually trace back to a soggy pot. The soil is staying wet longer than the plant can handle, starving roots of oxygen. If caught before roots start rotting, the fix is simple - let the soil dry out and adjust the routine - and most plants bounce back within 2-3 weeks.

Example of a yellowing lower leaf on a potted Chinese evergreen, on another plant — Example on another plant
a yellowing lower leaf on a potted Chinese evergreen
Photo: Saurav9656 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Etiolation (insufficient light)

In dim light the stem stretches and the coin leaves shrink and cup. The plant is stretching toward light it isn't getting: long gaps between leaves, pale thin growth, and leaning. Stretched growth never compacts again, but with more light all new growth comes in full and sturdy - the plant's future is good.

Example of etiolated seedlings stretching pale toward the light, on another plant — Example on another plant
etiolated seedlings stretching pale toward the light
Photo: சஞ்சீவி சிவகுமார் · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Edema

Corky spots under leaves appear when roots take up more water than leaves can use. Blister-like bumps or corky patches that form when roots take up water faster than leaves can release it, bursting cells from the inside; common in cool, humid, low-light spells. It is not contagious or fatal: marked leaves keep their scars, but new growth comes in clean once watering is adjusted.

Fungus gnats

Moist peaty mixes attract gnats; let the surface dry between waterings. Small dark flies that breed in constantly moist potting soil; the adults are harmless but annoying, while larvae can nibble roots of seedlings and weak plants. Very treatable by drying out the soil; expect the flies to fade over 2-3 weeks.

Example of an adult fungus gnat resting on a leaf, on another plant — Example on another plant
an adult fungus gnat resting on a leaf
Photo: James K. Lindsey · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The mistakes that most often kill it

Keeping the soil constantly wet.
Deep shade, which slowly starves it into a bare stalk.
Letting it freeze on a cold windowsill — it tolerates cool, not cold.

Not sure what’s wrong?

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