Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Toxic to pets
Creeping Charlie
Pilea nummulariifolia · Urticaceae
Easy
Pet-safe
Pilea nummulariifolia is a low-growing, trailing perennial native to the tropical regions of Central America and northern South America. It produces small, rounded, heavily textured leaves with a quilted or crinkled surface, held on slender, reddish stems that root readily at nodes. It is widely grown as a hanging basket plant or ground-cover in warm indoor settings, valued for its vigorous spreading habit and attractive foliage.
☀ Light
Bright indirect light
💧 Water
Keep evenly moist, avoid waterlogging
🌡 Temp
16 to 27 C
💦 Humidity
High, above 50%
🌿 Soil
Well-draining, peat-free multipurpose mix
🍽 Feeding
Monthly, spring to autumn
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
How to care for Creeping Charlie
Light
Pilea nummulariifolia thrives in bright, indirect light. A position near an east- or west-facing window is ideal, as harsh direct midday sun will scorch the delicate leaves and cause bleaching. It tolerates moderate shade but growth will slow and the characteristic leaf texture may become less pronounced. Artificial grow lights work well in low-light rooms, provided they are left on for 12 to 14 hours per day.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top centimetre or so of compost feels dry to the touch, then allow excess water to drain freely from the pot. This species prefers consistently moist but not saturated conditions; prolonged waterlogging leads to root rot. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows, but do not allow the compost to dry out completely. Using tepid water, preferably rainwater or filtered water, helps avoid mineral build-up on the foliage.
Soil and potting
A light, free-draining compost is essential. A peat-free multipurpose mix combined with around 20 to 30 per cent perlite or coarse horticultural sand provides sufficient aeration and drainage. The plant tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Avoid heavy, compacted soils, which retain too much moisture and deprive the roots of oxygen.
Feeding
Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser at half the recommended strength once a month during the active growing season from spring through to early autumn. A fertiliser with a roughly equal NPK ratio supports both foliage and stem health. Do not feed in winter when the plant is resting, as excess nutrients at this time can accumulate as salts and damage the roots.
Humidity and temperature
As a tropical species, Pilea nummulariifolia prefers humidity levels above 50%, and will perform best at 60 to 80%. In dry centrally heated homes, place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, group it with other plants, or use a room humidifier. It prefers temperatures between 16 and 27 C and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10 C. Keep it away from cold draughts, radiators, and air-conditioning vents.
Repotting
Repot every one to two years in spring, moving up one pot size when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes or circle the surface of the compost. Because the plant grows quickly, younger specimens may need repotting annually. Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes. Refreshing the compost at each repotting helps maintain nutrient levels and soil structure.
Pruning
Regular pruning encourages a bushier, more compact habit and prevents the plant from becoming straggly. Pinch out the growing tips of long stems with clean fingers or scissors to promote branching. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or dead foliage promptly to maintain plant health and appearance. Pruning is best carried out in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing; pruned material can be used as cuttings for propagation.
Is Creeping Charlie toxic?
Pets: Non-toxic. Pilea nummulariifolia is not listed as toxic to cats or dogs by the ASPCA. It is generally considered safe in households with pets.
People: Not known to be toxic to humans; skin irritation is occasionally reported with prolonged handling of sap in sensitive individuals, so washing hands after handling is advisable.
People: Not known to be toxic to humans; skin irritation is occasionally reported with prolonged handling of sap in sensitive individuals, so washing hands after handling is advisable.
Common problems
Yellowing leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering or waterlogged compost leading to root stress or early root rot Fix: Allow the compost to dry out slightly between waterings, check that drainage holes are unblocked, and repot into fresh compost if roots are mushy or dark
Leggy, elongated stems with small leaves
Likely cause: Insufficient light causing the plant to stretch towards the nearest light source Fix: Move the plant to a brighter location with good indirect light, and pinch back stems to encourage bushier regrowth
Brown, crispy leaf edges or tips
Likely cause: Low humidity, draughts, or exposure to direct hot sun Fix: Increase ambient humidity, relocate away from draughts or direct sun, and ensure watering is consistent
Wilting despite moist compost
Likely cause: Root rot caused by prolonged overwatering, often accompanied by a musty smell Fix: Remove the plant from its pot, trim away any blackened or soft roots, allow remaining roots to dry briefly, then repot into fresh, well-draining compost and reduce watering
Small, pale, or distorted new growth with fine webbing
Likely cause: Spider mite infestation, typically occurring in hot, dry conditions Fix: Raise humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and treat with an insecticidal soap spray or neem oil solution, repeating every week until the infestation clears
Sticky residue on leaves or stems with small clustered insects
Likely cause: Aphid or mealybug infestation Fix: Remove insects manually with a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol for mealybugs, or spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; inspect neighbouring plants and isolate affected specimens
How to propagate
Stem cuttings in water
Cut a healthy stem of 5 to 10 cm with at least two nodes, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in a glass of room-temperature water in a warm, bright spot. Roots typically develop within two to three weeks, after which the cutting can be potted into compost.
Stem cuttings in compost
Prepare cuttings as above and insert them directly into moist, well-draining compost, burying at least one node. Cover loosely with a clear plastic bag or propagation dome to retain humidity and place in a warm, bright position; cuttings usually root within three to four weeks.
Layering
Because stems root readily at nodes when they touch moist soil, a trailing stem can be pinned down onto the surface of a nearby pot of compost using a hairpin or bent wire. Once roots have established at the node after a few weeks, sever the stem from the parent plant.
Where Creeping Charlie comes from
Native to Panama, Trinidad, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, West Indies, Caribbean islands.
Story and origins
The genus name Pilea is derived from the Latin 'pileus', meaning a felt cap or cap without a brim, which refers to the shape of the sepal that partially covers the achene fruit in this genus. The species epithet nummulariifolia is a compound Latin term combining 'nummularius' (relating to coins or coin-shaped, from 'nummus', a coin) and 'folia' (leaves), together meaning 'with coin-shaped leaves'. This name alludes to the small, rounded outline of the leaves, which were considered reminiscent of coins when the species was first formally described.
Pilea nummulariifolia was formally described by the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg in 1781, though the species had been known to European naturalists exploring the tropics of the Americas for some time before that. It gained popularity as an ornamental houseplant during the mid-twentieth century, particularly in hanging baskets, as interest in trailing and foliage plants grew alongside the broader houseplant boom. It remains a staple in tropical greenhouse collections and domestic interiors throughout Europe and North America, prized for its ease of cultivation and propagation.
Varieties to know
Pilea nummulariifolia (standard form)
The species as typically sold, with bright green, heavily quilted rounded leaves on reddish trailing stems
Fun facts
- The stems of Pilea nummulariifolia root so readily at their nodes that a single plant can colonise an entire hanging basket within one growing season.
- Pilea belongs to the nettle family Urticaceae, yet unlike many of its relatives it lacks the stinging hairs associated with Urtica species.
- The species epithet 'nummulariifolia' translates roughly as 'coin-leaved', describing the small, round shape of the leaves, though in practice they are somewhat oval and strongly textured.
- In parts of the Caribbean and Central America, the plant is known as a 'sharing plant' because cuttings root so easily and are frequently passed between neighbours and friends.
- Despite being in the stinging-nettle family, Pilea nummulariifolia produces tiny, insignificant flowers that are rarely noticed by indoor growers.
Creeping Charlie FAQ
Why are the leaves on my Creeping Charlie turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are most commonly caused by overwatering. Check that the compost is not remaining soggy between waterings, ensure the pot has drainage holes, and reduce watering frequency. Nutrient deficiency and very low light can also cause yellowing, though waterlogging is the most frequent culprit.
How often should I water Pilea nummulariifolia?
There is no fixed schedule; instead, water when the top centimetre of compost feels dry to the touch. In a warm, bright room this may be every five to seven days in summer, and less frequently in winter. Always allow excess water to drain away and never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of standing water.
Is Creeping Charlie safe to keep around cats and dogs?
Yes. Pilea nummulariifolia is not classified as toxic to cats or dogs by the ASPCA and is generally considered a pet-safe houseplant. If you notice your pet chewing on the plant and showing unusual symptoms, consult a vet as individual reactions can vary.
Why is my Creeping Charlie becoming leggy and straggly?
Leggy growth is almost always a response to insufficient light. The plant stretches its stems in search of more light. Move it to a brighter spot with good indirect light and pinch back the long stems to encourage new, bushier growth from lower on the plant.
Can I grow Creeping Charlie outdoors in the UK?
Pilea nummulariifolia is a tropical plant that cannot tolerate frost and will not survive UK winters outdoors. It can be placed outside in a sheltered, warm spot during summer, but must be brought back indoors before temperatures drop below about 12 C, typically in early autumn.
How do I make my Creeping Charlie fuller and more bushy?
Regular pinching out of stem tips is the most effective technique. Each time you remove a growing tip, the stem typically branches, creating a denser plant. Take the pruned tips and use them as cuttings to fill in gaps in the same pot, which quickly produces a lush, full appearance.
What is the difference between Pilea nummulariifolia and other Pilea species sold as houseplants?
Pilea nummulariifolia is distinguished by its small, rounded, heavily quilted or corrugated leaves on trailing reddish stems, making it well suited to hanging baskets. It differs from Pilea peperomioides (the Chinese money plant), which has large flat circular leaves on an upright stem, and from Pilea cadierei (aluminium plant), which has larger, silvery-patterned leaves and a more upright habit.
