The Chinese money plant, also known as the missionary plant, lefse plant, pancake plant, UFO plant, or just pilea (short for its scientific name of Pilea peperomioides) is originally from the southwestern Yunnan province of China. Popular lore maintains that a Norwegian missionary, Agnar Espegren, took cuttings home with him in the 1940s, and shared them with friends and family. Those plants were spread throughout Scandinavia, and eventually the world, as people passed cutting between friends.
Chinese Money Plants
The Chinese money plant (or Pilea) is frequently featured in Scandinavian interiors, where its bright green pancake-shaped leaves provide an adorable and welcome burst of color against white walls. They’re said to be easy to grow, but if you’ve ever tried to find one of your own in a plant shop, you likely came home empty-handed. So before you get your heart set on acquiring a Chinese money plant of your very own, read the following tips and advice on finding one, then caring for your hard-won prize.