I couldn’t resist the cheery little plant when I saw it in the store last week. I hadn’t grown one since I was a teenager, so I bought it. The plant is Moon Valley Pilea, with the botanical name of Pilea involucrata ‘Moon Valley.’ It’s also known as Friendship Plant.
Moon Valley is an eye-catcher. The leaves have a neat quilted texture unlike any other plant. Leaf color is fresh green with centers having a bronze tone.
Here’s how to keep Moon Valley Pilea thriving:
- High humidity is important. If winter air is heat-dried, try misting the plant or setting the pot on a water-filled pebble tray, with the pot’s bottom always kept above the water line to prevent drowning.
- Potting mix should contain high proportion of peatmoss, such as Miracle Gro Potting Mix.
- Allow to dry out between thorough watering, like most houseplants.
- Light requirement is medium. During winter’s weak sunshine, a little window sun is appreciated. During spring, summer and fall the plant likes bright light, but full all-day direct window sun would be too intense.
- Growth points in the center of stems can be pinches to encourage well-branched, bushy plants.
- Stem tips can be used to root cuttings for extra plants.
- Fertilize monthly in spring and summer when longer days and increased light stimulates increased plant growth.
As daylengths increase in spring, Moon Valley often blooms with small pink flowers. 
A cheery little plant. I have a new friend.
Happy Gardening!
