Pilea involucrata

Common Name:
Friendship Plant

Description:
Pilea involucrata, commonly known as the Friendship Plant, is a compact, low-growing foliage plant beloved for its richly textured, quilted leaves in deep bronze-green tones with subtle copper or reddish highlights. The softly serrated leaves have a velvety surface and grow in pairs along gently arching stems, forming a dense mound perfect for indoor styling. Native to Central and South America, this tropical plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and performs best in Melbourne when grown indoors in bright, indirect light. It prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil and benefits from higher humidity—making it an excellent choice for terrariums, bathrooms, or grouped with other tropical houseplants. ‘Friendship Plant’ gets its name from its ease of propagation and sharing, as it roots readily from cuttings. With its fast growth, tactile leaves, and lush form, it makes a beautiful accent in mixed indoor displays.

Form:
Shrub – Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 15–25 cm
Width: 20–30 cm

Aspect:
Part Shade
Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer
(Although small and insignificant indoors)

Flower Colour:
White
Pale pink

Key Attributes:
Suitable for Pots
Indoors / Well lit
Perennial
Low Maintenance
Compact Growth Habit
Fast Growing
Terrarium Suitable
Easy to Propagate

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:
Fittonia albivenis
Peperomia caperata
Maranta leuconeura
Calathea 'Freddie'
Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris'