Pilea Peperomioides: A Plant That’s Symbolic, Spiritual, and Powerful
Pilea peperomiodes has long been associated with financial success and good fortune. In its native southwestern China, the plant’s round, coin-shaped leaves are thought to attract money and prosperity, and they feature prominently in Feng Shui practices. Its ability to produce pups also stands for friendship. This guide draws from mythological sources, ethnobotanical research, feng shui traditions, and contemporary horticultural practices.
Etymological Meaning
In 1912, the German botanist Friedrich Diels named the species P. peperomioides. Pepermiodies translates to “peperomia-like,” a nod to the plant’s round foliage.
Pancake Plant and UFO Plant
The whimsical names “Pancake Plant” and “UFO Plant” reflect the plant’s distinctive appearance and contribute to its modern, playful symbolism. The large, flat, circular leaves resemble pancakes, while their attachment to long petioles gives them an otherworldly, UFO-like appearance.
These contemporary nicknames represent the plant’s role in modern interior design and its appeal to younger generations who appreciate its unique, almost alien-like aesthetic.
Pilea peperomioides Meaning and Symbolism
The common name for the P. peperomiodies plant — the Chinese money plant — gives a hint about its symbolism. The plant’s coin-shaped leaves are associated with prosperity and good luck.
It’s thought that having Chinese money plants in the home is an excellent way to attract wealth and financial success. But where the plants are placed matters.
Use in Feng Shui Practices
In the tradition of Feng Shui, placing a P. peperomioides in a northwestern corner of a room or of a home draws positive energy that facilitates good fortune.
In Feng Shui practice, there are five elements: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. Chinese money plants are aligned with “wood,” which is in turn aligned with action and growth.
In this case, the Chinese money plant’s coin-shaped leaves symbolize abundance and the growth of wealth.
Placing your Pilea peperomioides in the northwest sector of a room is thought to improve your luck and financial success. The Feng Shui Bagua map divides a home, office, or room into distinct energy zones. Placing a P. peperoimides plant in the Xun section, which is linked to wealth and prosperity, will boost financial stability.
- Southeast Corner (Wealth Area): Place your Chinese Money plant in the southeast area of your home or office to bring you good fortune, as this is considered the wealth corner according to traditional feng shui principles
- East-Facing Areas: The Chinese money plant is generally considered compatible in Feng Shui, especially in East-facing areas, due to its rounded leaves promoting the flow of positive energy
- Northwest Corner: Placing the Chinese money plant in the northwest corner of a room is believed to enhance financial success and attract positive energy
Myths and Legends
Several myths and folklore surround P. peperomioides. Some legends say that placing a coin in the plant’s pot will help “grow” more coins. Other legends say that if you have a Chinese money plant at home, you’ll find coins on the ground wherever you go.
A Symbol of Friendship
However, the Chinese money plant’s symbolism isn’t limited to finances. It’s also associated with friendship. Because the plant propagates itself so easily, sending up multiple offshoots or “pups,” people often give away the baby plants. This has earned P. peperomioides the nickname of the Friendship Plant.
Air Purification and Health Symbolism
Beyond symbolic meanings, Pilea peperomioides offers practical benefits that enhance its symbolic associations:
- Air Purification: Removing toxins from indoor environments
- Stress Reduction: Providing a calming green presence
- Humidity Regulation: Contributing to healthier indoor air
- Non-Toxic Safety: Safe for homes with pets and children
Suitable Gifting Occasions
P. peperomioides plants are the perfect gift when you want to wish someone good luck or congratulate them on a job well done. Chinese money plants can be gifted on occasions like new jobs, graduations, and birthdays. They also make lovely housewarming plant gifts.
If someone is ill or feeling down, a P. peperomioides plant can help cheer them up. With its gently bobbing leaves, this happy-looking little plant adds a sense of joy to any room.
The Final Word
With their coin-shaped foliage and happy aesthetic, it’s not hard to see why Pilea peperomioides plants are associated with prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. These attractive houseplants are rich in meaning and symbolism and are also known as the friendship plant, thanks to their self-propagating habits. Add a Chinese money plant to the northwestern corner of your home or office to improve your luck!
Linsay is an American copywriter based in the Pacific Northwest with a background in academic writing and research. Linsay holds Master's degree in both Anthropology and Library and Information Sciences and has written for numerous national and international publications including USA Today, SFGATE, Hunker, and The Bump across an array of topics in the gardening, green living, and travel sectors. When she's not writing, you'll usually find Linsay reading, kayaking, sailing, snowboarding, or working in her garden.