Houseplant expert explains why Chinese money plants' leaves go yellow and drop

Throughout the winter months, houseplants need different care and attention for them to not only survive but thrive. For anyone who owns a Chinese money plant, Patch Plant Doctor Richard Cheshire has a few handy tips and words of wisdom to ensure the cute indoor plant looks its best. 

Throughout the winter months, houseplants need different care and attention in order for them to not only survive, but thrive. For anyone who owns a Chinese money plant, Patch Plant Doctor Richard Cheshire has a few handy tips and words of wisdom to ensure the cute indoor plant looks its best. 

Chinese money plant, also known as a pancake plant is native to the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of southern China.

It was first brought to the UK in 1906 by Scottish botanist George Forrest.

In the late 20th century, it became a popular houseplant because it was simple to grow and easy to propagate.

As a result, it earned the nickname ‘pass it on plant’.

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houseplant

It is sometimes called the UFO plant due to its round, plat leaves, which can grow as big as 15cm across.

But how do you look after it – especially during the winter months when light levels are low.

Richard Cheshire, Patch plant doctor spoke about the care the plant needs.

He said: “Chinese money plants do well in medium light, where the sun is not directly on them but they are in a room that receives natural light for most of the day.

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“If it is due to overwatering your Pileas leaves will turn a yellow-brown before falling off.”

So how do you make sure it grows to the best of its ability?

He explained: “To really help it thrive, ensure that you are feeding your plant at most once a month during the growing season to keep it happy and grow as many leaves as possible.”

To ensure your money plant is growing nice and evenly, rather than all on one side, you can rotate the pot every few days. 

Did you know, “although it’s now very common as a houseplant, Chinese money plants have almost completely disappeared from their natural habitat”. 

A Chinese money plant is air purifying and is pet and baby safe. 

Its botanical name is Pilea peperomioides. 

source: express.co.uk