Aluminum Plant

Aluminum Plant is part of the Nettle family, and is grown as a houseplant indoors as well as a pondside plant outside. This plant should not be grown in an aquarium. The minty green leaves of the Aluminum Plant are splashed all over with bright metallic silver, which gives them their common name.Best Locations For Growing Aluminum PlantAluminum Plants like bright light and high humidity, making them suitable for decorating a brightly lit bathroom or kitchen. Growing this plant near furnace vents or a fan will cause the plant to lose moisture quickly and is not recommended. Grouping Aluminum Plant with other tropicals will help keep humidity levels high around the plants.Aluminum Plant Sunlight RequirementsIndirect bright light for 4 hours is a must for this tropical stunner. Growing Aluminum plants in low light will cause the plant to get leggy and the soil to dry out too slowly, risking root rot. A south- or southwest-facing window is perfect. Using a grow lamp during darker days in the winter will help keep the growth more compact. Aluminum Plant CarePilea ‘Aluminum’ needs to be repotted regularly. Every spring, the pot should be checked for root growth out of the bottom. Always repot one to two sizes larger to give the Aluminum Plant enough room to grow through the summer. Use a soil-based potting mix that has added perlite for good drainage. Select a container with drainage holes in the bottom, so the roots receive plenty of air. Propagation is easy by taking cuttings of stems throughout the growing season.Watering Aluminum PlantWatering in the winter should be reduced. Let the top 2-3 inches of soil dry between waterings. Use a cool mist humidifier or a daily misting of the leaves to counteract dryness indoors.Feeding Aluminum PlantOnly fertilize while the plant actively grows in the summer months. No feeding is necessary during the winter. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer applied at half strength once a month will keep this plant thriving while maintaining bright color.Aluminum Plant InformationLight Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium LightCare Requirements: EasyWatering Requirements: Average – When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.Pet Friendly: YesKid Friendly: YesAir Purifier: LowHabit: UprightGrowth Rate: FastMature Height: 12 inchesMature Spread: 8 inchesFlowering: YesFlower Color(s): WhiteFlower Shade/Description: WhiteFragrant: Foliage Type: VariegatedFoliage Color(s): Green, SilverFoliage Description: Variegated, Green and SilverTemperature: 60° – 75°F (16° – 24°C)Humidity: Average (40% – 60%)Common Name: Aluminum PlantOther Name(s): Aluminum Plant, Watermelon PileaScientific Name: Pilea cadiereiPlant Type: House Plant