- Metallic-Looking Foliage
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 12 Inches
- Pet Safe
Ellen Pilea is a wonderfully unusual plant with textured, metallic-looking foliage. Ellen Pilea or Pilea cadierei is also known commonly as Silver-Plated Pilea. This easy-to-care-for houseplant is low maintenance with a compact habit. Pileas are native to tropical and subtropical regions.
Best Locations For Growing Ellen Pilea
Ellen Pilea, with its compact, bushy habit, is suitable for many locations in the home or office. This beauty will be happy near a bright window in any room of the home. The plant is not toxic to pets and children. Ellen Pilea can also be grown outdoors in a partial sun location.
Ellen Pilea Sunlight Requirements
Ellen Pilea prefers bright indirect light. Do not place this plant in direct full sun or the foliage will burn. At the same time, too little light will make the plant become stretched and leggy. Pileas will grow and stretch toward the sun, so rotate your plants at least once a week to encourage them to grow evenly.
Ellen Pilea Care
Ellen Pilea is a low-maintenance plant that does not require special attention. Provide this Pilea with well-drained soil and adequate light. Beyond removing dead leaves, there is no need to prune Ellen Pilea. Pinching can encourage a bushy habit.
Watering Ellen Pilea
Ellen Pilea appreciates regular waterings. Water thoroughly when the soil dries out. Reduce watering in the winter time. Ellen Pilea prefers moderate to high humidity. Add a humidifier, mist leaves regularly, or place plants on a pebble tray to increase humidity levels.
Feeding Ellen Pilea
Fertilize with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season and do not fertilize during the winter.
Ellen Pilea 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: High |
Habit: Clumping |
Growth Rate: Moderate |
Mature Height: 12 inches |
Mature Spread: 8 inches |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Shade/Description: White |
Fragrant: |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Silver |
Foliage Description: Dark Green and Silver |
Temperature: 60° - 75°F (16° - 24°C) |
Humidity: Average (40% - 60%) |
Common Name: Ellen Pilea |
Other Name(s): Silver Plated Pilea |
Scientific Name: Pilea cadierei 'Ellen' |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Pilea_Ellen-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.