- Easy, Fast Growing Plant
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 12 inches
- Pet Safe
Aluminum Plant is part of the Nettle family, and is grown as a houseplant indoors as well as a pondside plant outside. This plant should not be grown in an aquarium. The minty green leaves of the Aluminum Plant are splashed all over with bright metallic silver, which gives them their common name.
Best Locations For Growing Aluminum Plant
Aluminum Plants like bright light and high humidity, making them suitable for decorating a brightly lit bathroom or kitchen. Growing this plant near furnace vents or a fan will cause the plant to lose moisture quickly and is not recommended. Grouping Aluminum Plant with other tropicals will help keep humidity levels high around the plants.
Aluminum Plant Sunlight Requirements
Indirect bright light for 4 hours is a must for this tropical stunner. Growing Aluminum plants in low light will cause the plant to get leggy and the soil to dry out too slowly, risking root rot. A south- or southwest-facing window is perfect. Using a grow lamp during darker days in the winter will help keep the growth more compact.
Aluminum Plant Care
Pilea ‘Aluminum’ needs to be repotted regularly. Every spring, the pot should be checked for root growth out of the bottom. Always repot one to two sizes larger to give the Aluminum Plant enough room to grow through the summer. Use a soil-based potting mix that has added perlite for good drainage. Select a container with drainage holes in the bottom, so the roots receive plenty of air. Propagation is easy by taking cuttings of stems throughout the growing season.
Watering Aluminum Plant
Watering in the winter should be reduced. Let the top 2-3 inches of soil dry between waterings. Use a cool mist humidifier or a daily misting of the leaves to counteract dryness indoors.
Feeding Aluminum Plant
Only fertilize while the plant actively grows in the summer months. No feeding is necessary during the winter. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer applied at half strength once a month will keep this plant thriving while maintaining vivid color.
Aluminum Plant Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Average - When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: Low |
Habit: Upright |
Growth Rate: Fast |
Mature Height: 12 inches |
Mature Spread: 8 inches |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Shade/Description: White |
Fragrant: |
Foliage Type: Variegated |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Silver |
Foliage Description: Variegated, Green and Silver |
Temperature: 60° - 75°F (16° - 24°C) |
Humidity: Average (40% - 60%) |
Common Name: Aluminum Plant |
Other Name(s): Aluminum Plant, Watermelon Pilea |
Scientific Name: Pilea cadierei |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Pilea_Aluminium-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.