How to Revive a Dying Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)

Overwatering is the most frequent cause of pilea peperomioides death. The top inch of the potting material must dry out between waterings for Pilea peperomioides. The pilea leaves may turn yellow and brown and take on a drooping, dead appearance if the soil is persistently moist. This is a sign of root rot.

A variety of environmental variables might make pilea plants vulnerable, giving them a wilting or dead appearance.

The pilea peperomioides needs to be planted in well-draining potting soil, watered only when the top inch of the soil is dry, misted to create humidity, and placed in a location with bright, indirect light in order to replicate its natural environment and revive dying plants.

The most typical causes and signs of a dying pilea peperomioides, also known as a Chinese money plant, are listed in the following reference table:

Dying Pilea Peperomioides’s Symptoms	Why a Pilea Peperomioides is Dying:
sagging leaves and stems	Lack of light causes Pilea stems and leaves to sag and droop. Pilea needs indirect light that is bright, not too much shade. Drooping pilea plants can be attributed to small pots and underwatering.
Leaves Turning Yellow and Brown (Frequently Appearing Droopy):	Root rot, which turns the leaves brown and yellow, can be caused by overwatering and leaving the soil permanently damp. For Pilea peperomioides, the top inch of soil must dry out in between waterings.
With a dying appearance, the bottom leaves and stems turn yellow:	The lower leaves of pilea peperomioides turn yellow and have a drooping, withering aspect as the plant ages. As bottom leaves dying back are a normal part of the pilea peperomioides cycle of growth, there normally isn’t anything wrong with the plant if the higher leaves are green and healthy.
Turning-Brown Leaves	The leaves might be scorched by too much sun. Pilea’s fragile leaves can burn in the sun, and they are accustomed to growing in shade. Dark green leaves indicate healthy leaves.
Pilea leaves that appear to be drooping and curling:	Overwatering and compacted soil can make the normally flat pilea leaves curl. Low humidity, hot temperatures (over 85°F), and insufficient watering can also cause the pilea leaves to curl.
Not Growing Pilea:	A pilea’s ability to form roots and grow effectively might be hampered by soil that is excessively compacted, not porous, aerated, and well draining.

Continue reading to discover the reason why your pilea peperomioides plant is dying as well as how to put the answers into practice to revive it.

Table of Contents

Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant) Drooping

Symptoms. The money plant develops leggy stems and leaves that occasionally droop downward and have a pale color.
Causes. Small pots that dry out too rapidly in between waterings and a lack of sunlight.

Low levels of light are the cause of a drooping pilea. Pilea plants thrive in direct, bright sunlight. The pilea’s stems lengthen and weaken in an excessive amount of shade as the leaves seek out a better source of light, giving the plant a drooping appearance.

In China’s temperate climes, pilea plants naturally thrive in rocky limestone outcrops on slopes where they are shielded from direct sunshine yet receive intense indirect light.

For the pilea, the interior lighting can be too dim, especially if they are in a room with many dark surfaces and a window towards the north.

The pilea prioritizes expanding its stems in order to find more light when there is not enough of it. The pilea’s stems and leaves droop as a result of the stems becoming lanky and feeble.

If Pilea peperomioides are not routinely turned so that the entire plant receives an equal quantity of light, they may also droop over, more so on one side than the other.

Dry soil is another factor in drooping pilea plants.

Pilea plants are frequently offered for sale as small, possibly-potted plants. A very small pot has a significantly smaller soil holding capacity, which means it can hold much less moisture and dries out much faster.

The pilea droops as an indication of stress if the soil entirely dries out.

Think about whether your pilea is near a heat source that could cause the soil to dry up too quickly or in an air current that could dehydrate the leaves (pileas prefer some dampness).

Over time, Pilea peperomioides also develops a leggy appearance naturally. Before the lower leaves start withering back and as the plant becomes bigger, the overall appearance tends to be drooping, the attractive, Instagram-worthy appearance may only endure around two years.

This is also the progression of growth as a wild plant in terms of how it gradually takes on a drooping aspect.

How to Revive a Drooping and Dying Pilea Peperomioides

The ideal temperature range for Pilea is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). To keep your pilea in its optimal temperature range, keep it away from any sources of indoor heating because high temperatures dry out the soil and rob the leaves of moisture, causing them to droop.
Make sure the pilea is not directly exposed to forced air, draughts, or air conditioning currents. Because indoor dry air dries out the moisture too much for Pilea plants, which are used to high levels of humidity in their natural environment, the leaves and stems begin to droop.
Use a tiny plant humidifier that can exactly replicate the ideal humidity level for pilea and other tropical plants to guarantee they stay healthy or increase the humidity by misting the pilea once every few days. As a result, a microclimate that is very humid is produced, simulating the more humid circumstances of the pilea peperomioides’ natural habitat.
By gently removing the plant out of the pot, you can check to determine if the pilea’s roots are pot-bound. I advise repotting the pilea into a pot one size larger than the one it is now in if you can see numerous roots that appear to be forced up against the side of the container as they compete for room. More soil can fit in a larger pot, allowing the roots to absorb the nutrients and moisture they need.
To avoid drooping, place the pilea in an area with direct light that is bright. The pilea’s stems won’t need to go too tall and lanky to search for a greater source of light if the room is nicely lit. This guarantees that the pilea will continue to seem increasingly even and compact over time. Avoid direct sunlight as it may scorch the delicate foliage.
To maintain even growth, rotate the pilea pot each time you water it. To guarantee that the pilea receives enough light on all sides and promote more equal development and avoid the plant sagging, rotate the pilea 45 degrees every so often or whenever you water it.

Although I would still advise rotating the plant frequently and placing it in a bright environment, if the plant is mature and has a drooping appearance from age, it can be challenging to restore to its original beauty.

Because they frequently produce easy-to-propagate offshoots, pilea is frequently referred to as the “friendship plant.” This may result in a new pilea plant that doesn’t appear to be drooping.

Watch this instructive YouTube video to learn how to grow new pilea plants from offshoots:

Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant) Turning Yellow and Brown

Symptoms. Yellow leaves that might become wilted or droopy and appear to be withering
Causes. As pilea peperomioides ages, its lower leaves get a yellow hue naturally. Root rot and the yellowing and browning of the leaves can be caused by excessive moisture around the roots or compacted soil. Pilea leaves can also become lanky and yellow in appearance under low light. Sun exposure too much might turn the leaves brown.

Usually, excessive water around the roots causes root rot, which causes yellowing of pilea leaves. Pilea peperomioides can thrive in rocky soil and needs an environment that drains effectively. The leaves turn yellow and look to be dying when the soil is excessively compacted or too wet.

However, it should be noted that as the pilea plant ages, the lowest leaves and stems get yellow and wither.

This is a very normal occurrence and does not necessarily mean your plant is stressed, especially if the other leaves still appear healthy and green.

Pilea leaves in a dimly lit space can likewise turn yellow. Pilea prefer direct, bright light because it encourages uniform growth and glossy, dark-green leaves.

The stems may get leggy and the leaves may turn pale if the pilea is in an area that receives a lot of shade, such as a room with a North-facing window. This is because they are searching for a greater source of light.

Because the soil is overly wet, which can happen for a variety of reasons, pilea peperomioides leaves frequently become yellow and brown.

excessive irrigation.
compacted or poorly draining soils.
There are trays and saucers under the container holding the pilea, which stops the water from draining after watering.

In rocky or grittier soils with a porous, aerated structure that effectively drains excess water away from the roots after rainfall, pileas are adapted to growing.

Too much compacting or poor drainage in the potting medium might keep oxygen from reaching the roots, which stops them from respiring.

If the roots are unable to breathe, this interferes with their ability to absorb the nutrients and moisture that the pilea needs, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and appear to be dying.

How to Revive a Dying Pilea Peperomioides with Yellow Leaves

The pilea can be revived by re-creating the well-draining soil conditions with coarse potting soil and watering until the top inch feels dry.

It can be very challenging to save a pilea if it has developed root rot due to prolonged exposure to wet soil or standing water.

When transferred to a brighter area, pileas that have turned yellow and become leggy from lack of sunshine can somewhat revive.

To encourage new development, remove any yellowing, leggy leaves or stems that do not recover. If the entire plant is still alive but lanky, I advise propagating your pilea from strong growth.

Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant) Leaves Curling

Symptoms. leaves that are no longer flat in shape.
Causes. Low relative humidity, overwatering, excessive sun exposure, and high temperatures.

Most frequently, excessive soil moisture from overwatering causes pilea peperomioides leaves to curl. Between waterings, the top inch of the soil must dry out for pilea plants. The pilea is under stress if its leaves bend inward because of wet potting soil and excessive watering.

However, in response to excessively dry conditions, pilea peperomioides leaves can also curl and droop.

Pileas thrive in well-draining, stony soils, so they may go for extended periods without watering. However, if the humidity is too low, the leaves may lose moisture.

The leaves’ look of curling is also influenced by high temperatures and excessive sun exposure, which increase evaporation and water loss from the leaves.

Additionally, it’s crucial to properly water pilea each time, allowing extra water to drip from the pot’s base. Water does not get to the roots where it is needed if you water too lightly; instead, only the top inch or two of the potting soil becomes moist.

Because they have less surface area, pilea leaves curl up in reaction to dry soil and dry air. Reduced leaf surface area minimizes the amount of water lost from the leaves, which helps to conserve moisture.

How to Revive Dying Pilea Peperomioides with Curling Leaves

It’s critical to mimic the pilea’s natural environment, which includes a temperature range of between 65° and 85°F, high humidity, and weekly waterings that are followed by an inch of soil drying out, in order to revive curling pilea peperomioides leaves.

Before giving pilea plants a good bath in water, make sure the top inch of the soil is dry. If you believe that overwatering your pilea is the cause of the curled leaves, wait until the top inch or two has dried out before watering it once again. Regularly empty any trays or saucers under the water-filled pilea pot to prevent water from gathering at the base of the pot. Plant pilea only in containers with drainage holes in the bottom.
Avoid compacting the potting soil while planting pilea; instead, use a well-draining potting mix. Growing pilea and avoiding issues related to overwatering, such as curled leaves, require aerated soil that drains properly. If the soil is compacted, repot the pilea and add 1/3 grit, 2/3 regular potting soil or compost, and 1/3 soil for succulents and cacti or orchids. This mimics the soil characteristics of the pilea’s natural habitat,
Keep pilea away from air currents from forced air systems, draughts, and direct air conditioning current. These factors can cause leaves to curl by drying out the air and removing moisture from them.
Once every two days, spray the pilea. Pilea thrive in humid conditions, thus spraying the plant will help to create a humid microclimate for it. Reduce water loss and bring back the usual appearance of your pilea’s curled leaves by misting them.
The preferred temperature range for pila is 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F). Maintain pilea within the ideal temperature range to rejuvenate the curling leaves since high temperatures dehydrate the soil too rapidly and steal moisture from the foliage.

If overwatering and damp potting soil are the root of your pilea’s curled leaves, the plant should gradually recover over the course of a few weeks as long as the soil has time to dry out a little between watering sessions. For the pilea to flourish, this returns the moisture and drainage balance to its normal state.

Keep the pilea away from direct sunshine and drying air currents, spray the leaves frequently, and maintain a cooler atmosphere (still above 65°F or 18°C) if dry circumstances are the root of the curled leaves.

After a thorough soak, the pilea should begin to recover nicely from the effects of the drought.

Why is My Pilea Peperomioides Not Growing?

In their natural habitat, pilea thrive in granular, porous soil that drains easily. This makes it possible for water to drain effectively and for enough room for root respiration to occur, which is necessary for healthy plant growth.

Replicating the soil in the pilea’s natural environment by supplementing it with 1/3 horticultural grit, succulent and cactus soil, or orchid potting media will help a pilea that is not growing properly.

All of these methods contribute to making the potting soil’s structure better, which will assist pilea peperomioides grow more successfully.

In the event that the pilea’s growth is being restricted by pot-bound roots, I would also advise repotting it in a pot that is one size larger.

In the spring and summer, it’s also a good idea to use a typical houseplant fertilizer at half strength every four weeks. This can encourage growth, especially if the pilea has been in the same pot for a while or the potting soil is particularly deficient in nutrients.

Key Takeaways:

Overwatering-induced root rot is typically the cause of a dying pilea peperomioides. Between waterings, the top inch of the soil must dry out for pilea plants. When pilea peperomioides is watered excessively, the leaves turn brown and yellow and look to be dying and drooping.
A pilea peperomioides that is drooping is typically caused by a lack of light. Pilea plants need direct, bright light. When pilea peperomioides are overly shadowed, their leaves and stems get lanky, become yellow, and droop.
A pilea peperomioides plant’s leaves turning yellow or brown is typically caused by inadequate light or overwatering. Because of root rot, the leaves will turn yellow and droop if the soil is always moist. Without adequate light, Pilea peperomioides turns yellow, becomes leggy, and droops.
As the Pilea peperomioides plant matures, the leaves at the base of the plant start to turn yellow and look to be dying. As the pilea develops, it expends its resources and energy on new development higher up the stem, causing the lower leaves to become yellow and appear to be dying.
Low humidity, high temperatures, and too little watering are the usual causes of the pilea peperomioides leaf curling, which makes the leaves do their best to preserve moisture. High humidity, temperatures between 65° and 85°F, and liberal watering to keep the leaves from curling are what Pilea peperomioides prefers.
The soil being too dense prevents the roots from establishing, which is the most frequent cause of pilea peperomioides not growing. The pilea peperomioides roots cannot get the moisture and nutrients they need to flourish because they cannot grow correctly in dense soil.

FAQ

Why are the leaves on my Pilea plant turning brown?

Often, overwatering causes this. The Pilea’s leaves will get brown spots and edging if they are overwatered, and they will start to fall off the plant. Feel the soil if your plant displays any of these signs.

How do I revive my Chinese Money Plant?

What does an overwatered Pilea look like?

When pileas receive too much water, their deep green color is lost, and instead their leaves begin to fade from pale green to yellow before eventually falling off and dying. Overwatering is typically at blame if your Pilea’s stems have grown floppy and all of its leaves are drooping.

How often do you water a Chinese Money Plant?

weekly