How to Grow Pilea Depressa | Baby Tears Plant Care

Pilea depressa, with its delicate and lush green foliage, is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. Read more to know how to grow them.

Commonly known as Baby Tears or Corsican Creeping Charlie, it is a low-growing, creeping perennial plant belonging to the Urticaceae family. Here’s some detailed information about Pilea Depressa.

Pilea Depressa Information

Pilea depressa has small, round, succulent-like leaves that are bright green and have a glossy texture. The leaves are densely packed on the trailing stems, creating a carpet-like effect as the plant spreads and forms a mat of foliage. The stems are delicate and thin, adding to the light and attractive appearance of the plant.

Pilea depressa is a low-growing plant with a maximum height of about 5 to 10 centimeters. It can spread up to 30 to 45 centimeters in width as a trailing plant.

Pilea depressa is native to the Caribbean, found explicitly in regions like Cuba and Jamaica. It grows in shaded and moist areas like forest floors and riverbanks. Pilea depressa is not native to India but is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in various regions. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or used in shaded outdoor gardens due to its attractive and spreading growth habit.

Pilea Depressa plant is commonly known by the following names in different Indian languages:

Hindi: अर्जुनी (Arjuni)
Bengali: পাথরবলি (Pathor-boli)
Tamil: அகத்தி பூண்டிக்கீரை (Agathi Pundikkirai)
Telugu: చిన్న బాడాకు (Chinna Badaku)
Kannada: ಕುದುರುಸೊಪ್ಪು (Kudurusoppu)
Malayalam: കരിംനരങ്ങ (Karimnaranga)
Marathi: अंघोळी (Angholi)
Gujarati: મીઠો પરદેશી (Mitho Paradeshi)
Punjabi: ਮੂਸਾ ਪੁੱਦਾ (Moosa Pudda)

How to Grow Pilea Depressa?

Pilea depressa can be propagated easily through stem cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate them:

• Firstly, choose healthy and mature stems from the Pilea depressa plant for propagation. Look for stems at least a few inches long and with a few leaves.
• Using clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. This is where the roots will develop.
• Trim off the lower leaves on the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This will help reduce moisture loss and encourage the plant to put more energy into root development.
• Fill small pots with a well-draining potting mix. Insert the stem cuttings into the soil, burying the node where the roots will form. Gently press the soil around the stem to secure it in place.
• To help the cuttings establish roots, you can create a humid environment around them. You can do this by placing a clear plastic bag or using a plastic dome to cover the pots. This will help retain moisture and increase humidity, promoting root growth.
• Position the pots in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can be too harsh for the young cutting.
• Water the cuttings lightly after planting to settle the soil. Water them sparingly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to rotting.
• Monitor the cuttings and ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Check for signs of new growth, which indicates successful rooting. After a few weeks, you should see fresh leaves emerging from the cuttings.
• Once the cuttings have established roots and show healthy growth, you can transplant them into slightly larger pots with a regular potting mix. Continue to care for them as mature Pilea depressa plants.

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Requirements to Grow Pilea Depressa

Sunlight

Pilea depressa prefers bright, indirect light. It thrives in locations with filtered sunlight or bright, indirect light areas. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as it can scorch the leaves and cause damage.

If the light is too low, the plant may become leggy, and its growth may slow.

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and coco coir works well for Pilea depressa. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH around 6 to 7) to support healthy growth.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Pilea depressa prefers slightly moist soil at all times. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.

Ensure that water drains well from the pot to prevent soggy soil. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot.

Temperature

The plant prefers average room temperatures between 18°C to 24°C. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures. In addition, try to maintain the average temperature for better results.

Humidity

Pilea depressa enjoys high humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity. Regular misting of the leaves can also help maintain adequate moisture.

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Pilea Depressa Care

Fertilizer

Pilea depressa does not require heavy fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Additionally, avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.

Pruning

Pruning is generally not necessary for Pilea depressa. However, trim any leggy or overgrown stems to promote bushier growth and maintain a compact appearance.

Regularly remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health.

Pests and Diseases

Pilea depressa is generally not prone to severe pest or disease issues. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to maintain proper watering practices to avoid this problem.

Look for common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. If you notice any infestations, take prompt action to address the issue.