Pilea 'Moon Valley'
Product details
| Management number | 250426104 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$6.80 | Model Number | 250426104 | ||
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- Description
- Pilea 'Moon Valley' Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
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Pilea 'Moon Valley', also called Friendship Plant, is a tropical houseplant native to Central and South America, where it grows on the forest floor in warm, humid conditions. It belongs to the family Urticaceae and is closely related to Pilea involucrata, prized for its deeply textured foliage.
The leaves are small, oval, and heavily puckered, with deep grooves that run between raised veins across the surface. The upper side is bright green with a slightly bronze or copper tone in the valleys between the veins, while the underside is burgundy-red. The plant grows in a low, bushy mound and stays compact, rarely exceeding 12 inches in height.
'Moon Valley' occasionally produces tiny, pale pink to cream flowers on short stems, though they are small and easy to miss. The foliage is the primary reason this pilea is grown, and the textured surface becomes more pronounced as the plant matures. It is pet friendly, so it can sit safely in shared spaces without concern for cats or dogs.
Rotate it every week or two so all sides receive equal light exposure. 'Moon Valley' does well in a terrarium, where the enclosed humidity suits it naturally, and it also thrives near kitchen moisture. It is sensitive to being moved between spots and prefers to settle in one location. Keep it away from air conditioning vents and heating units, and cover it if moved outdoors, as it needs shelter from rain.
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Pilea 'Moon Valley' grows well under bright indirect light, including office LED setups, but scorches in south-facing windows.
Water it every 7-10 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; it wilts slightly when dry.
'Moon Valley' does best in a well-draining, peat-based or coco coir mix with added perlite for aeration.
It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F and needs protection from cold drafts and sudden temperature swings.
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'Moon Valley' is a fast grower during spring and summer; feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
It is hardy in USDA zones 11-12, where frost does not occur. It grows outdoors year-round in Hawaii and southern Florida. It can move outside for summer in warmer parts of California, Texas, and other southern states, but comes back indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F.
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Q: Is Pilea 'Moon Valley' safe for cats and dogs?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic and pet friendly for both cats and dogs.
Q: How do I know when it needs water?
A: Pilea 'Moon Valley' wilts slightly when the soil has been dry too long; check the top inch of soil and water once it feels dry to the touch.
Q: Does 'Moon Valley' do well in a terrarium?
A: Yes, the enclosed, humid environment of a terrarium suits it well, especially since it needs consistently high humidity to stay healthy.
Q: Why are the leaves on my plant curling or looking pale?
A: 'Moon Valley' can scorch when placed too close to a bright south-facing window; move it further back or shift it to an east or west-facing exposure instead.
Q: Does the Friendship Plant produce any pollen or allergens?
A: It does produce pollen, so it is worth noting for anyone in the household with sensitivities, though the flowers are small and infrequent.
Q: How quickly does this plant grow?
A: Friendship Plant grows quickly during spring and summer, often putting out new leaves regularly when conditions are warm and humid.
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