| Artillery Plant | |
|---|---|
| Pilea Microphylla | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| 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) brilhantina is an annual plant native to Florida. The plant belongs to the pilea family. 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.
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.