Artillery Plant

Artillery Plant Care

Pilea microphylla

What is the plant

Meet the Artillery Plant, or as some like to call it, the Artillery Fern. This little buddy is the perfect pick for any indoor space, adding a pop of color and a whole lot of charm.

The Artillery Plant, in Latin – Pilea microphylla, is a quirky houseplant that hails from the lush tropical woods of Central and South America. Look for its adorable ¼-½-inch (0.6-1.2 cm) round, succulent leaves fanning out on delicate stems to identify it. And don't be surprised if it decides to show off some small yellow flowers. Growing to a modest 8-12 inches (20-30 cm), it fits right in, no matter the size of your indoor space.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

16°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

9a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Stick to a weekly watering schedule, making sure the soil has a chance to dry out between sessions. This little guy isn't a fan of waterlogged roots, so go easy on the watering can.
Pruning
There's no need for a full makeover, but a little trim here and there won't hurt. Snip away any dead or droopy leaves to keep it looking fresh and perky.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, give it some feeding every 2 to 3 weeks with a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer. But don't go overboard – too much fertilizer can do more harm than good.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
This plant loves its light, but not the direct kind. Set it up in a room with bright, indirect lighting, and it'll be as happy as can be. Keep it away from those intense sunbeams because nobody wants sunburned leaves.
Soil
Give your Artillery Plant a home in loose, well-drained, pH-neutral soil. You can either grab some standard succulent potting mix or create your own mix with peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite in equal parts.
Propagation
Snip off a piece of a healthy stem, pop it in some moist soil, and watch it work its magic. In just a few weeks, it'll root, and you'll have a brand-new Pilea ready to make its mark.

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Temperature
Keep things comfy at a cozy 60-75°F (16-24°C), just like the balmy forests it comes from. Steer clear of air conditioners and heaters, though – this little one prefers some natural warmth.
Container
Generally, based on the size of this Pilea, a pot with a 5-inch diameter (12.5 cm) will do nicely. The material of the container doesn't matter, but drainage at the bottom is a must.
Fun fact
The name of the plant comes from the nature of its bloom, more specifically, how male mature flowers release pollen. The whole process resembles the work of an artillery gun.