Lil Chinese Money Plant

Lil Chinese Money Plant Care Guide

Bright, indirect light is ideal for this plant.

Ideal spot: The Lil Chinese Money Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window with filtered sunlight or in a bright room with plenty of natural light.
Direct sunlight: While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, prolonged exposure can cause its leaves to burn, leading to brown spots or crispy edges.
Low light: The plant can tolerate low light conditions, but it may grow more slowly and lose some of its vibrant green color.

🌞 Tip: For best results, place it where it gets plenty of bright, indirect light, and avoid too much direct sunlight.

Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.

When to water: Let the top layer of soil dry out before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the plant isn’t sitting in water.
How often: Typically, you'll need to water every 7–10 days, but the exact timing will depend on factors like temperature, humidity, and light.
Watering tips: Make sure to water thoroughly, ensuring the water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in excess water.

💧 Tip: If the leaves begin to turn yellow or droop, you might be overwatering. Always check the soil moisture before watering again.

Moderate temperatures and average humidity are best.

Ideal temperature: The Lil Chinese Money Plant thrives in temperatures between 18–24°C (65–75°F). Keep it away from cold drafts and extreme temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Humidity: It does well in average indoor humidity. If your home is particularly dry, you can increase the humidity by placing the plant on a humidity tray or using a humidifier.

🌬️ Extra tip: Misting the plant occasionally or placing it near other plants can help maintain humidity.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil is best.

Best mix: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for good drainage.
Drainage: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.

Feed during the growing season for healthy growth.

Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) diluted to half strength.
Feeding schedule: Fertilise once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding or stop altogether in fall and winter, as the plant’s growth slows during these months.

🌱 Tip: Avoid over-fertilising, as this can harm the plant and cause weak growth.

Repot every 1–2 years or when it becomes root-bound.

When to repot: Repot the Lil Chinese Money Plant every 1–2 years, or when it becomes root-bound or its growth slows.
Best time to repot: Spring or early summer, during the active growing season, is the best time to repot.
Pot size: Choose a pot that's 1–2 inches larger than the current one to avoid overwatering and root rot.

Pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages new growth.

Pruning: Remove any leggy or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. Pruning can also help encourage the plant to produce new shoots at the base.
Shaping: For a bushier appearance, trim back the longer stems. This will encourage the plant to branch out and grow fuller.

✂️ Tip: Pruning also helps keep the plant at a manageable size, especially for smaller spaces.

Propagation is easy through stem cuttings or offsets (pups).

Cuttings: Cut a healthy stem with at least one node (the small bump on the stem where roots can grow). Place the cutting in water or directly into soil to root.
Offsets (pups): The Lil Chinese Money Plant often produces small pups at the base. Gently separate these pups from the mother plant and transplant them into their own pots.
Water propagation: If propagating in water, change the water every few days, and once roots develop (usually in 2–3 weeks), transplant into soil.

🌱 Tip: Propagating pups is the easiest method, and they will grow quickly once repotted.

Problem	Symptoms	Fix
Overwatering	Yellowing leaves, root rot	Ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings, and provide good drainage
Underwatering	Wilting, dry leaves	Water thoroughly, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely
Leggy growth	Long stems with few leaves	Increase light exposure, prune to encourage bushier growth
Pests (rare)	Small holes, pests visible on leaves	Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap

Leaf cleaning: Dust the large, round leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to help the plant absorb more light and keep it looking healthy.
Watering tips: Be mindful not to overwater, as this is a common issue with Chinese Money Plants. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Rotation: If the plant starts to lean toward the light source, rotate it regularly to encourage even growth.