Pilea cadierei , commonly known as the Aluminum Plant or Watermelon Pilea , belong to to the Urticaceae crime syndicate . It is part of the genusPilea , which include numerous specie of small herbaceous plants . The specific epithet “ cadierei ” honors the Gallic botanist Léo Marie Joseph Frédéric Cadière , who specialized in the plant of Indochina . This plant is a repeated herb , which means it can live for more than two years , and it ’s mark for its ornamental foliation rather than flower .
The Aluminum Plant is celebrated for its spectacular leaves , which are characterized by a quilt texture and silvery markings . The leaf are ovate or elliptical , growing to about 2 to 4 inches long , with a dark green background contrast sharply against the silver grey patches , giving it the aluminium - like appearance from which its common name derives . The parting have a duncical , overweight grain and are arranged oppositely along the stalk . Pilea cadierei can grow to a height of roughly 12 to 15 inches . It produces small , inconspicuous peak that are not the main attraction of this plant ; or else , it ’s the foliation that becharm . The stems are reasonably succulent , and the plant can develop a bushy riding habit with proper care .
Pilea cadierei is indigenous to the limestone mound of Vietnam , where it grows in the understory of tropical forests . This habitat explains its penchant for high humidity and collateral lightsome precondition , as it ’s accustomed to the dappled sunlight through the forest canopy . Its born surround is tender , with reproducible wet , which informs its indoor care requirements .
The Aluminum Plant was identify in the other twentieth century and was named in honor of Léo Cadière due to his contribution to botany in Southeast Asia . It was introduced to the Western world as an cosmetic plant for its unique leaf . Since then , it has become a popular selection among collectors and houseplant enthusiasts for indoor ornamentation due to its esthetic appeal and relatively easy care . Over the long time , it has been spread and distributed globally , often as a houseplant or for use in terrariums and vivariums due to its humidity - get laid nature .
Pilea cadierei is not frost - tolerant and thrives in warm , humid environments . It is typically produce as an indoor plant in most parts of the world because of this . However , in terms of USDA Hardiness Zones , where it might be grown outdoors in appropriate climates , it would be suitable for zones 11 - 12 . These zone play the tropical and subtropics where there ’s no danger of frost and where temperature do not more often than not drop below 50 ° farad ( 10 ° C ) . Even in these zone , Pilea cadierei would prefer shaded or filtered light condition to prevent leaf sunburn and to mime its native habitat . In cool mood or during winter , it must be kept indoors or in a greenhouse to protect it from moth-eaten temperature . If you ’re considering outdoor cultivation in these zones , ensure the plant is placed in a smirch that mimics its raw understory home ground , with mellow humidness and protection from verbatim , rough sunlight .
