How to Prune Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Chinese Money Plant needs minimal pruning. Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base any time they appear, and cut leggy stems back to just above a healthy leaf node in spring. Remove offsets (pups) at the base once they have a few leaves of their own. Don't remove more than a few stems at once, as this is a slow-growing plant.

When is the best time to prune?

As a tropical houseplant (zones 10–12), Chinese Money Plant can be pruned any time, but spring pruning aligns best with the plant's natural growth push.

Pacific

Mar–Apr or as needed indoors

Mountain

Mar–Apr or as needed indoors

Midwest

Mar–Apr or as needed indoors

Northeast

Mar–Apr or as needed indoors

Southeast

Mar–Apr or as needed indoors

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Why Should I Prune My Chinese Money Plant?

Chinese Money Plant is a naturally upright plant with a distinctive look: a central stem topped by flat, round leaves on long petioles. Its pruning needs are light compared to most houseplants, mostly maintenance rather than shaping.

The most common reason to prune is removing old or yellow leaves. These grow from the central stem and will turn yellow as the plant ages or if conditions aren't ideal. Cut or pinch them off where they meet the stem. Leaving them on looks messy and the plant puts no useful energy into dead foliage.

If the stem has grown tall and bare with leaves only near the top, you can encourage bushier growth by cutting the stem back to just above a healthy node or leaf. The plant will push new growth from that point. This works best in spring when growth is most active.

Chinese Money Plant also produces small plantlets (pups) that emerge from the soil around the base. These can be left to grow into a fuller pot, or you can remove them and pot them separately to propagate new plants. Use a clean knife or scissors and remove each pup with a small piece of root if possible.

Know Before You Cut

Difficulty Easy

Max removal 1–2 stems at a time; individual leaves anytime

Growth pattern Upright single stem

Tools Clean scissors or pruners

What Should I Remove?

Remove yellow or brown leaves at the base of the stem

Cut leggy stems back to above a healthy node in spring

Remove pups when they have a few of their own leaves

Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid tearing the soft stems

Don't remove multiple healthy stems at once

Don't prune heavily in fall or winter when growth slows

Don't mistake the long leaf petioles for stems — cut at the stem, not mid-petiole

How Do I Prune Step by Step?

Remove old and yellow leaves

Look for leaves that are yellow, brown, or clearly old. Cut them where the petiole (leaf stalk) meets the main stem. This keeps the plant looking neat and stops wasted energy.

Assess the stem for legginess

If the main stem is tall with leaves only at the very top, it has gotten leggy. This often happens in low light. If you want a fuller plant, pruning back the stem is your best option.

Cut leggy stems in spring

In early spring, cut the stem back to just above a point where a leaf attaches or where you can see a small bud. New growth will emerge from that point within a few weeks.

Remove or pot up pups

Dig carefully around any soil-level pups and cut them away with a clean knife, keeping a small root if possible. Pot them separately in well-draining soil, or leave them in place for a fuller look.

Clean up and place in bright light

After pruning, move the plant to a spot with bright indirect light to encourage recovery and new growth. Avoid direct sun on freshly pruned stems.

Got More Questions?

Can I prune the Chinese Money Plant to make it bushier?

Yes, trimming the main stem back to just above a node encourages side shoots to develop over time, giving the plant a fuller shape. It grows slowly though, so be patient — it may take a few months to see the results.

What if I cut off too many leaves?

The plant will recover as long as some healthy leaves remain and the main stem is intact. Reduce watering slightly until you see new growth, and keep it in bright indirect light.

How do I remove the pups without hurting the main plant?

Use a clean knife or scissors to cut each pup at its base where it connects to the soil or the main stem. Try to get a small piece of root with it. The main plant will not be harmed.

My plant's main stem is bare at the bottom. Should I prune it?

Bare lower stems are natural as the plant matures. If you want a tidier look, you can cut the stem back to where healthy leaves still grow. Alternatively, pot it deeper so the bare stem is below soil level.

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About This Article

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

Pruning guidance verified against Pilea peperomioides growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

31,899+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 10a–12b

Citations:
NC State Extension
Royal Horticultural Society

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