Common Name: Aluminium Plant

General Information

Pilea cadierei is an evergreen, ground-covering perennial plant forming a spreading mat of growth up to 30cm tall and wide[, ].
The variegated foliage on Aluminum Plant is unlike any other, with shiny silver, irregularly-shaped markings parallel to
the lateral veins[]. The plant is often grown as a ground-covering ornamental in tropical gardens and as a house plant in the temperate zone.

Known Hazards

The leaves and stems contain alkaloids and are mildly toxic to some animals - their effect upon humans is unknown[].
Although a member of the stinging nettle family (Urticaceae), members of this genus do not have stinging hairs[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Vietnam.

Habitat

Shaded wet places in forests at elevations from 500 - 1,500 metres in southern China[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in partial shade[]. Tolerates a range of soil conditions, from acidic to slightly alkaline and from sandy to clay soils[]. Requires a moist soil and is tolerant of occasionally very wet conditions[].
Aluminum Plant forms a thick ground cover within 2 years after planting on 18-inch centers. Unrooted stems can be struck into the ground and will root if kept moist in a shaded location. You can propagate the plant quickly in this manner. Locate the plant in a fully shaded location since foliage on Aluminum Plant will discolor in the sun. Provide for irrigation in dry weather and fertilize regularly to keep the plant thick and looking nice[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is an effective ground cover in a shady locality[]. Leaves are held opposite each other on square, green stems producing a thick ground cover about 30cm tall in a shaded landscape. Small white flowers are produced at the ends of the stems in the summer but they are mostly overshadowed by the conspicuous foliage[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Stem tip cuttings root easily[].

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