Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea) care guide
Pilea 'Aquamarine' (sold as "Pilea glauca") · Urticaceae
Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea) (Pilea 'Aquamarine' (sold as "Pilea glauca")) is a terrarium plant. It belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is native to Uncertain: "Pilea glauca" is an unpublished trade name; the plant may be Pilea libanensis, endemic to eastern Cuba – unconfirmed. It needs medium to bright indirect light; an east or north window is ideal; best kept out of hot direct sun light. Water temperature: ≥ 13°C. Care difficulty: Easy. Growth rate: fast.
How do you care for Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea)?
| Light | Medium to bright indirect light; an east or north window is ideal; best kept out of hot direct sun |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Humidity 50% – 70% or higher |
| Temperature | ≥ 13°C |
| Placement | SUITS closed terrariums – rated excellent for them; also grows open with misting or a pebble tray. Use as groundcover or let it trail over stones and the glass edge. |
| Growth | Fast |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Family | Urticaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea)?
Trim freely to keep it compact; cut pieces root readily when pressed into moist substrate in a humid tank.
What problems affect Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea)?
Yellow leaves, soft stems and rot from soil staying wet; scale, aphids, mealybugs. Puffs of pollen when misted are normal – the male flowers fling it explosively (artillery-plant habit).
How do you fix Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea) problems?
Keep lightly and evenly moist; water when the surface is just dry, much less in winter; never waterlogged. Airy, free-draining mix that still holds some moisture. Feed at reduced strength only in the growing season. Plants sold as P. glauca, 'Aquamarine', 'Silver Sparkle' or P. glaucophylla are usually the same plant; true P. glaucophylla is a different, upright species.
Where does Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea) come from?
Uncertain: "Pilea glauca" is an unpublished trade name; the plant may be Pilea libanensis, endemic to eastern Cuba – unconfirmed
What should you know before buying Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea)?
Not listed individually by ASPCA; several other Pilea (P. cadierei, P. microphylla, P. involucrata, P. nummulariifolia) are listed non-toxic to cats and dogs. Likely low risk, but unverified for this plant.
Sources
- Pilea libanensis Urb. (GBIF backbone; distribution from WCVP/Kew) — GBIF / Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants
- Popular Houseplant Undergoing an Identity Crisis — Laidback Gardener (Larry Hodgson)
- Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine' — Tula House
- Pilea in Terrariums — Terrarium Tribe
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Pilea 'Aquamarine' (Silver Sparkle Pilea)?
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