How to Care for Moon Valley Plants

Moon valley plants (Pilea involucrata), also called friendship plants, are low-growing houseplants with vibrant green foliage. Each leaf is deeply etched with a variety of intricate creases and ridges. They grow no more than 1 foot tall and approximately the same size in diameter. Moon valley plants do well with little attention if planted in quality potting mix and provided with the right amount of light and moisture. They are readily propagated by taking cuttings from healthy stems.

Planter
Peat-based potting mix
Balanced liquid fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a planter with peat-based potting mix.
- 2
  Place the moon valley plant into the mix with its roots sitting at their original depth. Cover them well and water until the mix feels evenly moist to the bottom of the planter.
- 3
  Situate the planter in a partially shaded location.
- 4
  Moisten the growing mix well when the surface feels completely dry to the touch.
- 5
  Feed once each month, from early spring until the end of summer, with balanced liquid fertilizer. Read package directions to determine exactly how much to apply.
- 6
  Prune off unsightly leaves and stems as necessary. Pinch back stems to keep the plant at the desired height.
- 7
  Examine the plant frequently for signs of mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are tiny insects often surrounded by white fuzz and are usually found near the stems. Spider mites are almost too tiny to be visible, but leave behind white webbing. Remove mealybugs by hand and eliminate spider mites by hosing the foliage off with a forceful stream of water.

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