How to Grow and Care for the Tulula Plant

The Tulula plant, more formally known by its botanical name Pilea peperomioides, has gained popularity among houseplant enthusiasts. It goes by several nicknames, including the Chinese Money Plant, UFO Plant, and Pancake Plant, which are inspired by its unique, round, coin-shaped leaves. Originally from the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of China, this plant is appreciated for its appearance and is considered straightforward to grow, making it a favorite for new gardeners.

Tulula Plant Care

This plant flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight, such as near an east-facing window. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light will cause the plant to stretch and become “leggy.” Rotating the plant regularly promotes even, symmetrical growth.

To prevent root rot, use a well-draining potting medium. You can create an effective mix by combining a standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. A peat-based or coir-based mix also works well, as it allows water to flow through freely while retaining enough moisture for the roots.

Water this plant using the “drench and dry” method. This involves thoroughly soaking the soil and then letting the top one to two inches dry out completely before the next watering. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months, as the plant’s growth slows.

The Tulula plant prefers average room temperatures and humidity and should be protected from cold drafts. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer monthly, diluted to half-strength. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows.

Propagating a Tulula Plant

Pilea peperomioides is easy to propagate because it readily produces offshoots, also known as “pups” or “plantlets.” These pups can emerge from the soil via the root system or directly from the main stem. This characteristic has earned it the nickname “Pass-it-on Plant.”

To propagate, wait until a pup is a few inches tall and has developed several of its own leaves. Using a clean, sharp knife, carefully sever the pup from the mother plant. If it is growing from the soil, gently excavate around its base to locate the connecting root and cut it, ensuring the pup has some of its own roots attached.

Once separated, you have two primary options for encouraging root growth. For water propagation, place the plantlet in a small jar of water, ensuring only the stem and base are submerged while the leaves remain dry. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks. Alternatively, for soil propagation, you can plant the pup directly into a small pot with a suitable soil mix.

Place the newly potted pup in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist but not saturated while it establishes its root system.

Common Tulula Plant Problems

Curling or Drooping Leaves

Curling or drooping leaves are most often related to watering. Inward-curling, limp leaves are a sign of thirst, and a thorough watering should resolve the issue. If leaves are drooping while the soil is wet, it indicates overwatering, which can damage the roots.

Yellowing Leaves

While the occasional loss of lower, older leaves is normal, widespread yellowing points to overwatering. When soil is waterlogged, roots are deprived of oxygen. To fix this, reduce your watering frequency.

White Spots on Leaves

Small white spots on the leaves are harmless mineral deposits left behind as the plant transpires water, especially if you use hard tap water. These can be wiped away with a damp cloth. Using filtered or distilled water can prevent them.

Leggy Growth

A “leggy” plant has stretched stems with long gaps between the leaves. This is a direct result of insufficient light, as the plant stretches toward a light source. To fix this, move it to a location with brighter, indirect sunlight.

Pests

Pilea peperomioides can attract pests like spider mites and mealybugs. To treat them, wipe leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol for mealybugs, or use an insecticidal soap spray for spider mites.

Repotting Your Tulula

This plant typically needs to be repotted every one to two years. A clear sign it needs a new pot is when roots grow out of the drainage holes. Other indicators include slowed growth during the growing season or water that runs straight through the pot, suggesting it is full of roots.

When it is time to repot, select a new container only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one. A pot that is too large can cause the soil to stay wet for too long, increasing the risk of root rot. Gently remove the plant from its old pot and inspect the root ball, trimming away any mushy or dead roots.

Place a layer of fresh soil in the new pot. Center the plant and fill the surrounding space with more soil, firming it gently. Ensure the plant sits at the same depth as before. Water lightly to settle the soil and return it to a spot with bright, indirect light.