Chinese Money Plant

How to Fertilize Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Quick Answer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer like 10-10-10 at half strength once a month from spring through early fall. Stop in winter when lower light slows growth.

When Should I Start Feeding My Chinese Money Plant?

Because Chinese Money Plant is typically grown indoors, start fertilizing in early spring when daylight hours increase and you notice new leaves unfurling more frequently.

US feeding regions map
Pacific Mar–Oct
Mountain Apr–Sep
Midwest Apr–Sep
Northeast Apr–Sep
Southeast Mar–Oct
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How Often Should I Fertilize My Chinese Money Plant?

Feed once a month during the growing season, roughly spring through early fall. Monthly feeding is plenty for this moderate grower.

Reduce to every 6 to 8 weeks in early fall, then stop entirely for winter. Even though your plant sits in a warm room year-round, the reduced daylight hours slow growth, and unused fertilizer just accumulates as harmful salts.

If the leaf edges start turning brown or the normally dark green leaves look washed out, you may be feeding too often or too strong. Skip a month and flush the soil with plain water.

Feeding Calendar
Spring & Summer
Half-strength liquid once a month
Early Fall
Half-strength liquid every 6–8 weeks, tapering off
Late Fall & Winter
No feeding

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Chinese Money Plant?

A balanced liquid fertilizer like 10-10-10 or a foliage-focused formula with a 3-1-2 ratio works well for Chinese Money Plants. These are primarily foliage plants, so slightly higher nitrogen supports the production of those signature round leaves.

Always dilute to half the label's recommended strength. Pilea peperomioides has a relatively small root system that is easily overwhelmed by concentrated nutrients.

Liquid fertilizer is the best option because it distributes evenly through the small pot and is easy to control. Avoid slow-release granules in small pots, where they can create hot spots of concentrated fertilizer near the roots.

Synthetic
Complete liquid formula with all 16 essential nutrients. Mix 1/4 teaspoon per gallon for monthly feeding.
Affordable liquid concentrate available at most garden centers. Use 3 to 4 drops per quart at half strength.
Organic
All-in-one organic option with mycorrhizae. One half-scoop per gallon once a month.
Gentle slow-release amendment perfect for sensitive houseplants. Mix a thin layer into the top inch of soil every few months.

How Do I Fertilize My Chinese Money Plant?

1
Water your plant first
Give your Chinese Money Plant a normal watering and let it drain. Fertilizing dry soil can shock the small root system and cause leaf curling.
2
Dilute to half strength
Mix your liquid fertilizer at half the dose on the label. For most concentrates, this is about 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water.
3
Pour slowly into the soil
Apply the diluted solution directly to the soil, avoiding the leaves. Pilea leaves can spot if fertilizer water sits on them.
4
Let excess drain completely
Make sure the pot drains fully after feeding. Chinese Money Plants dislike sitting in waterlogged soil, and leftover fertilizer solution in the saucer concentrates salts around the roots.
5
Flush the soil every 2 to 3 months
Run plain water through the pot until it flows freely from the drainage holes. This washes away salt buildup, which is the most common cause of brown leaf edges on this plant.

Got More Questions?

Can I use coffee grounds on my Chinese Money Plant?
A very light sprinkle on the soil surface is fine occasionally, but coffee grounds are acidic and Pilea prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Too much can lower the pH and cause nutrient lockout.
What happens if I over-fertilize my Chinese Money Plant?
The leaf edges turn brown and crispy, and the plant may drop lower leaves. Flush the pot with plain water several times and skip feeding for at least a month before resuming at a weaker dilution.
Should I fertilize the baby plants (pups) growing around my Chinese Money Plant?
Wait until pups are at least 2 to 3 inches tall and have their own root system. Very young pups are too small to handle fertilizer. Once they are in their own pots, feed at quarter strength to start.
Why are the leaves on my Chinese Money Plant curling?
Leaf curling is more often caused by too much direct light or inconsistent watering than by fertilizer issues. Check your light exposure and watering routine before adjusting feeding.
Can I use banana peels to fertilize my Chinese Money Plant?
Banana peels decompose too slowly in a small indoor pot and can attract fungus gnats. Use a proper liquid fertilizer for reliable, balanced nutrition.
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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
About the Author
Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.
See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.
Editorial Process
Fertilizer recommendations verified against Pilea peperomioides growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
32,258+ Greg users growing this plant
USDA hardiness zones 10a–12b