˄

5.16.17

Three white planters with green Pilea peperomioides with a candle and a wooden bunny next to them

Forget about the fiddle leaf fig. The latest little green wonder at the top of our weekend nursery checklist is the pilea peperomioides.

Pilea peperomioides aren’t easy to track down, so unlike our other potted faves, you won’t find this elusive species in every trendy home shop — which makes us love them even more.

Our indoor plant obsession is very real. We love the instant warmth they add to the home. We also consider plant shopping a solid way to spend a post-brunch weekend afternoon. Here’s why we think this uniquely adorable little plant is destined to land on every design-savvy home’s shelf in 2017…

What It Is: Pilea peperomioides is an indoor plant we can quite pronounce, with a background story that’s way too cute. Also known as the “Chinese money plant,” pilea peperomioides came to Europe sometime in the 1940s. A Norwegian missionary brought a few back from his travels through China. He gifted the easy-to-propagate leaves to friends and family, who continued the process of growing and giving away little pieces of the plant. Eventually, it made its way across the entire continent and beyond.

Why We Love It: We can’t get over the smooth, unusual, modern-looking leaves of this little plant, especially paired with our minimalist design obsession. It looks like it came from another universe, but is still totally chic (awfully modern, don’t you think?). Assuming you can even track one down, pilea peperomioides are generally easy to keep alive. All these plants needs are bright, indirect light and a sprinkle of water when the soil is dry.

Why You Need It: This is a statement-piece plant like no other: its unique look makes for many the perfectly staged Instagram, all while keeping our air pure like the best plants should. Propagating this plant is easy. Breed a billion and turn every open countertop into a personal pilea paradise, or gift a mini to your friends. We adore the idea of summer gatherings where guests leave with a new plant baby to love. They can continue spreading the love as it grows. Simply pop an offshoot into a small glass container filled with water and watch as it flourishes!

Bottom banner image
From our friends