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Droopy pilea leaves

by Paramita
(Netherlands)

I bought a pilea 2 weeks ago and after opening the parcel I found the leaves are droopy but the soil is dry. There is some white substance on the stem. I watered immediately but didn't see any difference.As it is winter time I can not repot it. Please help me is this plant healthy and I am overthinking ?

Comments for Droopy pilea leaves

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Jan 28, 2021

I've Never Grown It...
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

But I love these plants - they look like little umbrellas.

You say you just bought this plant, but it sounds like you got it mail order, rather than as a growing plant. So, if this is the case, you may be dealing with a few issues, mostly stress, which can cause all kinds of symptoms.

Judging from the picture of the leaf, this plant is undergoing some stress from incorrect watering. This blog article has some good ideas.

Without seeing a picture getting a better description of the white stuff on the stem, I can't really help you with that.

Mostly what I recommend is allowing the plant to recover without you trying all kinds of different things. Messing with plants invariably causes them to die. Winter, even when they're indoors, is their resting phase. Get a grow light if you think that will help, but it could still take a while for it to adjust to your conditions.

As soon as you can, start to take cuttings - the plants that you propagate in your situation tend to do better than the original plant, which will always struggle.

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