Artillery Plant is a small, spreading Pilea with many rounded leaves on fine stems. Its foliage may combine green and white, creating a soft, textured mound. Tiny flowers release pollen with a sudden burst, which inspired the common name. The plant fits terrariums, small pots, and mixed displays. It is easy to grow when kept warm, evenly moist, and protected from harsh direct sunlight.
Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants
Light requirements
Artillery Plant prefers bright, indirect light between 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹.
Set it 5 ft / 1.5 m from a south, west, or east-facing window, without a direct view of the sky.
Use a sheer curtain where direct sun is unavoidable. Strong sunlight may scorch or bleach the tiny leaves.
Too little light can produce thin stems, sparse growth, and weaker variegation.
Use a PAR meter or PAR meter app to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Watering
Keep Artillery Plant's soil consistently moist without making it soggy. Test the mix at several depths with a knitting needle or chopstick before watering. Its fine roots can suffer from both drought and saturation.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
Water until excess drains from the holes. Let the pot empty completely before returning it to a saucer or decorative planter.
Water considerably less during winter, when growth is slower.
Constant wetness can cause root rot and stem collapse. Extended dryness may wilt the delicate growth and leave crisp edges. A container with drainage holes is essential.
Soil
An organic all-purpose potting mix works well for Artillery Plant if it drains freely. The fine roots need steady moisture as well as access to air. For a DIY mix, blend 3 parts coir with 1 part pumice. Add worm castings as a top dressing. Avoid compacted soil and blocked drainage holes.
Feeding
Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Feed Artillery Plant while it is actively producing new stems and leaves. Apply fertilizer to moist soil and reduce feeding in winter. Heavy feeding can burn the fine roots or encourage weak growth.
Temperature & humidity
Artillery Plant prefers 65 to 85 °F / 18 to 29 °C with humidity between 50 to 60%. Keep temperatures steady and protect the plant from cold drafts. Avoid direct airflow from heating or cooling vents, which can quickly dry its small leaves and fine stems.
What to expect
Artillery Plant can mature within 6 to 12 months. It reaches 6 to 12 in / 15 to 30 cm tall and spreads 12 to 24 in / 30 to 60 cm. Growth is fast under warm, moist conditions, creating a broad mound of fine stems.
Varieties & cultivars
Pilea microphylla ‘Variegata’: Green-and-white foliage may develop green and pink coloring in bright light.
Pilea microphylla ‘Pink Splash’: Pink spots and splashes stand out against the green leaves.
Pilea microphylla ‘Silver Sparkle’: Fine silver speckles give the green foliage a shimmering appearance.
Artillery Plant: questions
Is Artillery Plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Artillery Plant is considered non-toxic to people. The ASPCA lists Pilea microphylla as non-toxic to cats and dogs. This makes it a lower-risk choice for homes with pets. Still…
How much light does Artillery Plant need?
Artillery Plant prefers bright, indirect light between 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. - Set it 5 ft / 1.5 m from a south, west, or east-facing window, without a direct view of the sky. - Use a sheer curtain where direct sun is unavoidable. Strong sunlight may scorch or bleach the tiny leaves. - Too…
How often should I water Artillery Plant?
Keep Artillery Plant's soil consistently moist without making it soggy. Test the mix at several depths with a knitting needle or chopstick before watering. Its fine roots can suffer from both drought and saturation. - Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. -…
How big does Artillery Plant get?
Mature size indoors: It reaches 6 to 12 in / 15 to 30 cm….
