Pilea Glauca Care: Tips for Growing Silver Sparkle Plant

Pilea glauca, commonly known as the Silver Sparkle, is a new pilea cultivator. Although sold as Pilea libanensis it is not yet confirmed as the scientific name of this plant. Regardless, pilea glauca is a popular houseplant thanks to its unique tiny round leaves covered in a silvery substance.

This cascading plant can be grown indoors or outdoors in hanging baskets or as a remarkable shelf plant. Pilea glauca is fast growing and it takes about three years to mature. Its leafy vines may grow up to 3 feet long indoors or more in its natural habitat.

In summary, here’s what to know about pilea glauca plant features.

Botanical name	Possibly Pilea libanensis but not confirmed.
Common names	Pilea Glauca, Pilea Silver Sparkle, Grey Baby Tear, Pilea red stem or Pilea Glauca Aquamarine.
Foliage color	Blue-gree leaves and reddish stems
Mature size	Nontoxic to pets and humans
Sun exposure	Bright indirect sunlight or partial sun.
Soil type	Well-draining soil
Bloom time	Late spring to early summer.
Flower color	White, pink, or peach
Hardiness zones	USDA 9 – 11
Toxicity	Non toxic to pets and humans

Pilea Glauca Care

Pilea glauca is pretty easy to grow and care for. As a tropical plant, you can grow it outdoors in warm climates or indoors in areas that experience cold winters. Here are the essential aspects of pilea glauca care.

Light requirements

Place your pilea glauca in bright, indirect sunlight. A north or east-facing window is usually a perfect spot. This plant can handle the rich morning sunlight but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon hours. The hot sun can scorch its delicate leaves.

Insufficient sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. You may add artificial grow lights if your room is not receiving enough natural light. However, be sure to keep it at the right distance from your artificial lighting. Some wavelengths can be strong to the plant.

Potting soil mix

When potting your silver sparkle plant, use a well-draining potting mix. A mix containing peat moss, perlite, and a small amount of compost works well. Make sure the pot has drainage holes where excess water can escape. Waterlogged soils can cause root rot and fungal issues.

Watering

Watering pilea glauca is a delicate balance. Maintain a consistent watering routine but don’t overwater the plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt. A simple rule of thumb is to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

The frequency of watering should be more during spring and summer but less during fall and winter when plants go dormant. When you water, give the soil a good soaking and let the excess water completely drain in the sink. Don’t allow the plant to sit in any standing water.

Temperature

Pilea glauca appreciates average room temperatures, ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18°C to 24°C). This plant is not frost resistant, exposing it to temperatures below 50 degrees may kill it. During winter keep your silver sparkle away from drafts, vents, heaters, and fireplaces.

Humidity

Pilea glauca prefers higher humidity levels around 60%. However, it can tolerate average household humidity. If you notice pilea leaves curling are drying, check both the soil moisture and humidity levels. Placing the plant near a humidity tray or running humidifier should create a conducive environment for the plant. 

Fertilization

During spring and summer, feed your pilea glauca with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. A blend with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 can be perfect. Fertilize every 4 -6 weeks when the plant is actively growing. Dont feed this plant during the winter months when plants are dormant.

Pruning

Pruning is not essential but it can help to maintain the plant’s compact form. Regularly pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.

Common problems

The pilea glauca can be susceptible to pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants for these pests.  If you notice any infestations, treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Pilea leaves curling or turning yellow and falling off can be a sign of root rot. This is a common problem caused by overwatering the plant. To save it, you need to stop watering and let the soil dry completely. It can be difficult to save the plant when roots are badly damaged but you can try to repot it in fresh soil mix.

How to propagate pilea glauca

Propagating pilea glauca is a great way to expand your collection or share the beautiful plant with your friends and family. There are two options to this, you can multiply the plant through stem cuttings or transplanting of the offsets(pups).

Materials You’ll Need:

• Healthy Pilea glauca plant
• Clean, sharp scissors or a knife
• Small pots or containers
• Well-draining potting mix
• A spray bottle for misting (optional)
• Rooting hormone (optional)

Stem cuttings methods

Propagating silver sparkle plant through stem cutting is straightforward and rewarding. You can decide to root the cuttings in water or directly in the soil. 

1. Choose a healthy, mature stem on your pilea glauca plant with several nodes (the small bumps where leaves emerge).
2. Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, make a clean cut just below a node. Nodes are essential because this is where new roots will develop.
3. Remove the lower leaves on the cuttings, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
4. Place the cuttings in a dry, shaded area for a few hours. This helps the cut end to callus, preventing rot when planted.
5. Plant the cutting in a small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Insert it about an inch deep into the soil.
6. Water the cutting lightly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
7. Place the pot in a warm place with bright indirect sunlight. You can cover the cutting with plastic to create some humidity that helps in quick development of roots.
8. Inspect and mist the cutting regularly and mist the cutting whenever the soil feels dry. It may take several weeks for roots to develop, so patience is key.

Pro Tip: If you are a beginner, consider propagating pilea glauca in water instead of soil. You’ll be able to see roots growing when you use a clear glass container. When propagating in water, just make sure to change that water every 3 – 5 days until when the roots grow.

The offsets approach

Offsets also known as pups are mall shoots that emerge from the base of the plant. Once offsets grow their own set of roots, you can use them to clown your pilea glauca flower.

Use clean scissors or a knife to carefully separate the offset from the parent plant. Make sure to include as many roots as possible. Plant the offset in a small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Water lightly and place it in an area with bright, indirect light.

Like stem cuttings, maintain proper humidity by covering the pot with a plastic bag or using a humidity dome. Once the offset has established its roots on the soil, treat it as mature pilea glauca, following standard care guidelines.

Conclusion

Growing and nurturing pilea glauca can be rewarding. In the right conditions of light, moisture, and temperature, this unique silver-blue plant can be added to any space. To appreciate the stunning beauty of this plant, you can propagate and share it with your friends and family.