Artillery Plant Pilea microphylla
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Pilea muscosa var. microphylla
- Utrica microphylla
- Phonetic Spelling
- py-LEE-uh my-kro-FIL-uh
- Description
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Artillery Plant is an herbaceous perennial that is grown in tropical Central and South America as a groundcover. In most parts of the United States it is grown as a low-maintenance houseplant or as an annual in outdoor containers. It has a very delicate appearance that is characterized by tiny lime green leaves and fine stems. It has a creeping habit, forms a dense mat, and may grow 6 to 12 inches tall. The flowers are tiny and green, and it was aptly named the Artillery Plant because it forcefully ejects the pollen from its flowers.
The Artillery Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. The plant is very sensitive to overwatering and underwatering. It prefers moist, well-drained potting mix, and high humidity. Consider misting the plant regularly if your home is very dry. Propagation is best done by stem cuttings.
This plant is very popular as a houseplant and is non-toxic to humans and pets. You might consider using the Artillery Plant in a terrarium or as a groundcover or filler in an outdoor container, if you live in a very warm climate.
Quick ID Hints:
- herbaceous perennial groundcover, clumping, spreading, dense habit, 6 to 12 inches tall,
- short, arching stems
- small, fine textured, lime green leaves that are fern-like
- tiny green flowers that ejects bursts of yellow pollen
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids. Overwatering can result in root rot. In high humidity and poor air circulation, powdery mildew may occur.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Variegata'
The leaves are variegated in shades of green, white, and pink.
- 'Variegata'
- 'Variegata'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Variegata'
The leaves are variegated in shades of green, white, and pink.
- 'Variegata'
- 'Variegata'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Pilea
- Species:
- microphylla
- Family:
- Urticaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Mexico, South America, Southeastern U.S.A., the Caribbean
- Distribution:
- Native: Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Creeping
- Dense
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Description:
- Tiny green flowers that release bursts of yellow pollen.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Obovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are simple, obovate, dense, bright green, and fern-like.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Rock Garden
