How to Propagate Pilea cadierei (Aluminium Plant) by 3 Easy Methods

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Pilea cadierei (Aluminium Plant) propagation can be done during the growing period (spring and summer) from stem cuttings and by plant division.

Propagate Aluminium Plant in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing to promote establishment. Propagating in fall and winter, may not be successful because the growth is reduced which makes rooting more difficult.

Pilea cadierei is an easy-care plant. Aluminium Plant grows best in bright indirect light (filtered light), average warmth of 18-26⁰C, high humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Pilea cadierei.

This guide will walk you through the best propagation techniques and step-by-step instructions for successfully growing new plants from cuttings or divisions. Let's dive in.

(A) How to propagate Pilea cadierei from stem cuttings

The stem cuttings root easily so there is no need for rooting hormone. You can root cuttings in water or directly in soil, as you prefer.

Best time: Spring to early summer.

Success rate: High if provided with warm, humid conditions.

1. Propagating Pilea cadierei from stem cuttings in soil

1. With a sharp, sterilized pruning scissors, take stem cuttings of about 4-6 inches from a healthy plant and ensure it bears at least two sets of leaves.


2. Strip off the lower leaves from the cutting and retain 2-3 leaves on top.


3. Allow the sap to dry and then dip the lower cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone (optional) to hasten rooting.


4. Fill small pots (6-8 inches) with well-draining, potting mix and moisten it slightly.


5. Make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the cutting.


6. Insert about 2 inches of the cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around it.


7. Cover the set up with clear plastic bag or polythene sheet to create a greenhouse effect to promote rooting.


8. Confirm that the leaves do not touch the bag or sheet too much by propping it up with sticks.


9. Place the set up in a warm, brightly-lit spot away from direct sunlight.


10. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges which indicates rooting; roots will develop in 4-6 weeks.


11. Gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the clear plastic bag or polythene cover to acclimate the new plant to ordinary growing conditions.


12. Allow the plants to be well established before transplanting into a pot 1 size larger in free-draining soil after which you can begin routine care.

2. Propagating Pilea cadierei from stem cuttings in water

1. Use a sharp, sterilized pruning scissors to take stem cuttings of about 4-6 inches from a healthy plant. Confirm each cutting has at least 2 nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and retain at least 2-3 leaves on top.


3. Allow the sap to dry and dip the lower cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone (optional) to promote rooting.


4. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Ensure that at least one leaf node is submerged, but keep the leaves above water.


5. Position the set up in a warm spot under bright indirect light and change the water every 3-5 days to prevent bacterial growth.


6. Rooting should occur in 2-4 weeks. Once the roots are about 2-3 inches long, prepare to transfer the cuttings into soil.


7. Select a small pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


8. Fill the pot with well-drained, potting mix and moisten the soil slightly.


9. Make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the new plant.


10. Place the new plant in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep.


11. Position the set up in warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist until the plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.

Pro tip: For a fuller plant, you may transfer several cuttings into one pot.

(B) How to propagate Pilea cadierei by plant division

Pilea cadierei naturally produces offsets (small shoots) that can be separated and replanted to propagate new plants.

Best time: Late spring to early summer.

Success rate: High and fast-growing.

3. Propagating Pilea cadierei by plant division

1. Water the plant deeply at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment. A well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. Slip the plant out of its pot, wash or shake off excess soil and separate the offsets (young plants growing at the base) from the mother. Ensure each offset has adequate roots to hasten establishment.


3. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


4. Fill the pot with free-draining potting mix and moisten it slightly.


5. Make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the offset.


6. Place the offset in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base; maintain the plant at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.


7. Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up under bright indirect in a warm place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Conclusion

Propagating Pilea cadierei (Aluminium Plant) is easy and rewarding, whether using stem cuttings or division. With warm temperatures, high humidity, and proper care, your new plants will thrive and bring beautiful, silver-patterned foliage into your home. By following these step-by-step propagation techniques, you can successfully grow multiple healthy Aluminium Plants.

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