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Artillery PlantPilea microphylla

Also known as Artillery Clearweed · Artilleryweed · Brilhantina

  • Type: Herb
  • Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Keep soil moist
  • Temperature: Average room temperature

Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) is a small, fast-growing herbaceous perennial with delicate, fern-like foliage. Ideal for terrariums and humid indoor environments.

Photograph © James Bailey · CC-BY-NC

Artillery Plant Care Summary

At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data

Light

Bright, indirect light

75% intensity

Prefers dappled sunlight or bright shade. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves.

Watering

Keep soil moist

75% intensity

Water when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix

50% intensity

Temperature

Average room temperature

50% intensity

Thrives between 18-24°C. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C.

Fertilizer

Moderate feeding

50% intensity

Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season. Reduce in winter.

Artillery Plant Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Artillery Plant
AttributeValue
Toxic for humansNo

0/5 intensity

Toxic for petsNo

0/5 intensity

EdibleNo

Non-toxic

Artillery Plant Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type
Herb
Plant Place Type
Pot
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Height
0.1-0.3 m
Spread
0.3-0.6 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Simple
Flower Size
<1 mm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
7000

Care guide for Artillery Plant

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly in winter but avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Pruning

Prune your Pilea microphylla to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim leggy stems and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning can be done at any time of year, but is most effective in spring.

Pinching back the tips will promote branching.

Propagation

Artillery Plants are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 5-10 cm cuttings from healthy stems and remove the lower leaves. Insert the cuttings into moist potting mix or water.

Roots should form within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted.

Repotting

Repot your Artillery Plant every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix.

Repotting is best done in spring, coinciding with the start of the active growing season.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths73
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · DecPeak fruit · Dec
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths73

Artillery Plant Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

  • Artillery Clearweed
  • Artillery Plant
  • Artilleryweed
  • Brilhantina
  • Creeping Charly
  • Frescura
  • Gun Powder
  • Gunpowder-Plant
  • Lace Plant
  • Military-Fern
  • Pistolplant
  • Rockweed
  • কামান উদ্ভিদ

Synonyms

  • Dubrueilia microphylla (L.) Gaudich.
  • Parietaria microphylla L.
  • Urtica microphylla (L.) Sw.

Artillery Plant Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Artillery Plant
RankName
kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderRosales
familyUrticaceae
genusPilea
speciesPilea microphylla

Artillery Plant FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

What are the ideal light conditions for Pilea microphylla?

Pilea microphylla thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves.

How often should I water my Artillery Plant?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months.

Does Pilea microphylla require high humidity?

Yes, Artillery Plants prefer high humidity. Grouping plants, using a pebble tray with water, or misting can help maintain humidity levels.

What type of soil is best for Pilea microphylla?

A well-draining potting mix is recommended. A mix for houseplants or African violets often works well, providing good aeration and moisture retention.

How can I propagate Pilea microphylla?

Propagation is easily done from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings and root them in water or moist potting mix.