Pilea microphylla

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Artillery Plant
Pilea Microphylla
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Rosales Family: Urticaceae Genus: Pilea Species: P. microphylla
Binomial name
Pilea microphylla

Pilea microphylla also known as Artillery Plant, Gunpowder Plant or (in Latin America)^{[verification needed]} brilhantina is an annual plant native to Florida^{[verification needed]}. The plant belongs to the pilea family^{[verification needed]}. It has light green, almost succulent, stems and tiny 1/8" leaves which contribute to its other nickname, "Artillery Fern", though it is not related to ferns. It is grown as a ground cover in many areas.

[edit] Propagation

Pilea microphylla can be propagated by dividing the root ball, or taking herbaceous cuttings and rooting them with rooting hormone. The plant enjoys a thorough watering after the soil has been allowed to dry, and misting has been shown to be beneficial. Direct sunlight causes the leaves to turn brown and fall off, so it prefers filtered light.

[edit] References

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