Pilea Creeping Charlie Rooted Cutting Liner

 

Pilea are herbaceous perennials originally from Mexico and Brazil. Outside of zones 11 and 12 they can be grown as annual foliage, houseplants, or fairy gardens and terrariums. Their evergreen summer toughness makes them a good choice for garden centers to have on hand through the hot part of the year. Customers will enjoy them in small pots for desks or hanging baskets for porches after their flowering plants have succumbed to the heat.

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Growing Tips

 

For best results with Pilea, we recommend growing in a high-humidity environment using a constant feed program of 150-200 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 5.8 - 6.2.

To help your customers create a humid environment in their home, instruct them to place the pot on top of a saucer filled with rocks and pour water into the saucer, making sure that the water level never reaches the bottom of the pot.

Pinching

Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.

Spacing

Space pots adequately to allow for light penetration and airflow between foliage of adjacent pots. We recommend 6-8 inches for 4” pots and 18-24 inches for 10” pots.

Height Control

Pinching is the best way to control height. An initial pinch is recommended, but additional pinching may be necessary to shape your final product.

Pests

Mealybugs and spider mites are the primary pests attracted to Pilea.

Disease

Creeping Charlie are not prone to many diseases, but watch for botrytis while the days are short. This grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.

Planting Creeping Charlie Liners

1. We recommend planting 4-5 starter plants per 10” basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4” pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient if you have enough time. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot.
2. Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.

Rooted Cuttings

Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.

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