Chinese Money Plant Vs Nasturtium: The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Your

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever been captivated by a plant with perfectly round, coin-like leaves, only to get confused when you see another, completely different plant with a similar shape? You’re not alone! It’s a common mix-up for even seasoned gardeners to wonder about the differences between these two round-leaved beauties.

It’s easy to see why. At a glance, their cheerful, circular foliage can look alike, but that’s where the similarities end. One is a beloved indoor icon, while the other is a vibrant, edible garden workhorse.

In this complete guide, we’re going to clear up all the confusion. I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know in the great chinese money plant vs nasturtium debate. We’ll explore their unique looks, specific care needs, surprising benefits, and common problems. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently choose—and successfully grow—the perfect plant for your home or garden.

Let’s dig in and find your perfect match!

Meet the Contenders: What Are Chinese Money Plants and Nasturtiums?

Before we dive into the details, let’s get properly introduced. Understanding who these plants are at their core is the first step in our comprehensive chinese money plant vs nasturtium guide.

The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides): The Indoor Icon

The Chinese Money Plant, often called Pilea, Pancake Plant, or UFO Plant, is a true superstar in the world of houseplants. Hailing from the Yunnan province of China, this plant has a unique, almost whimsical appearance.

It features a central, upright stem from which large, flat, circular leaves sprout on long, delicate petioles (leaf stalks). This structure makes the leaves look like they’re floating in mid-air, creating a stunning visual. It’s famous for being a “friendship plant” because it produces tiny baby plants, or “pups,” that are incredibly easy to separate and share.

The Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): The Garden’s Edible Gem

On the other hand, we have the Nasturtium. This plant is a classic favorite in outdoor gardens, celebrated for both its beauty and its utility. Unlike the Pilea’s single-stem structure, nasturtiums grow as either bushy mounds or long, trailing vines.

Their leaves are also round, often with a lily-pad-like appearance where the stem attaches to the center of the leaf. But the real show-stoppers are their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red. Best of all? The entire plant—leaves, flowers, and even seeds—is edible with a delightful peppery kick!

At a Glance: Key Differences Between Chinese Money Plant vs Nasturtium

Sometimes, a simple chart is the best way to see the differences side-by-side. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you distinguish between these two amazing plants.

  • Plant Type:
    • Chinese Money Plant: Tender perennial, almost always grown as a houseplant.
    • Nasturtium: Annual, grown outdoors in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets.
  • Ideal Location:
    • Chinese Money Plant: Indoors, in a spot with bright, indirect light.
    • Nasturtium: Outdoors, in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
  • Foliage:
    • Chinese Money Plant: Perfectly round, flat, dark green leaves on a single upright stem.
    • Nasturtium: Round to kidney-shaped leaves on sprawling or trailing stems. Often lighter green.
  • Flowers:
    • Chinese Money Plant: Rarely flowers indoors. Blooms are small and insignificant.
    • Nasturtium: Produces large, showy, colorful flowers all summer long.
  • Edibility:
    • Chinese Money Plant: Not edible. For ornamental purposes only.
    • Nasturtium: Completely edible! Leaves, flowers, and seed pods have a peppery taste.
  • Propagation:
    • Chinese Money Plant: Easily propagated from “pups” or stem cuttings.
    • Nasturtium: Grown easily from seed sown directly in the garden.

The Ultimate Chinese Money Plant vs Nasturtium Care Guide

Now for the fun part! Learning how to chinese money plant vs nasturtium care differs is key to success. Their needs are worlds apart, so let’s break down the best practices for each one.

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Light Requirements: Sun-Seeker vs. Shade-Dweller

Chinese Money Plant: Think bright but gentle. Your Pilea wants lots of bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south- or west-facing window is perfect. Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch its delicate leaves.

Nasturtium: These are true sun-worshippers. For the best, most abundant blooms, plant your nasturtiums in a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun per day. They’ll tolerate a bit of partial shade, but you’ll get more leaves and fewer flowers.

Watering Wisdom

Chinese Money Plant: The number one mistake with Pilea is overwatering. These plants are susceptible to root rot. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, give it a thorough soak until water runs out the drainage hole, then let it drain fully.

Nasturtium: While more forgiving, nasturtiums prefer consistently moist soil, especially when they are young. Water them regularly, but ensure the soil has good drainage. Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant. Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners!

Soil & Potting Needs

Chinese Money Plant: A high-quality, well-draining indoor potting mix is essential. You can amend a standard mix with perlite or orchid bark to increase aeration and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Good drainage is non-negotiable!

Nasturtium: Here’s a fun quirk: nasturtiums thrive on neglect! They actually prefer poor, sandy, and well-drained soil. If you plant them in soil that’s too rich or heavily fertilized, you’ll get a lush jungle of leaves but very few of those beautiful flowers.

Growth Habits & Uses: Indoor Friend vs. Outdoor Trailblazer

Understanding how each plant grows will help you decide where it fits into your life. This is a core part of our chinese money plant vs nasturtium tips.

Chinese Money Plant: A Prolific Indoor Propagator

The Pilea grows upright from a central stem, which can get woody over time. Its real magic lies in its ability to produce offsets, or “pups,” from its roots and stem. These tiny clones are incredibly easy to separate and pot up, making it the perfect plant to share with friends and family.

Its clean, modern aesthetic makes it a perfect statement piece on a bookshelf, desk, or plant stand. It brings a touch of minimalist green style to any indoor space.

Nasturtium: The Versatile Garden Companion

Nasturtiums are much more wild and free. They come in two main forms:

  1. Bush types: These form neat, compact mounds and are perfect for edging garden beds or filling containers.
  2. Vining types: These can trail for several feet, making them ideal for spilling out of hanging baskets, climbing up a small trellis, or acting as a temporary ground cover.

Their versatility makes them a gardener’s best friend for filling in gaps and adding a splash of season-long color.

Benefits of Chinese Money Plant vs Nasturtium: Beyond the Beauty

Both plants offer unique advantages that go far beyond their good looks. Exploring the benefits of chinese money plant vs nasturtium can help you make your final decision.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Pilea’s Social Charm

The primary benefit of the Pilea is its incredible ease of propagation. Gifting a Pilea pup is a wonderful, personal gesture. It’s also believed in Feng Shui to bring good fortune and wealth to its owner, adding a layer of lovely symbolism to your home.

More Than Just a Pretty Face: Nasturtium’s Practical Perks

Nasturtiums are the definition of a multi-tasking plant. Their benefits are truly remarkable:

  • They’re Edible: Add the peppery leaves and flowers to salads for a pop of color and flavor. You can even pickle the unripe seed pods as a substitute for capers!
  • They’re a Companion Plant: Nasturtiums are famous for being a “trap crop.” Aphids are drawn to them, which can help keep the pests off your more valuable vegetable plants like tomatoes and squash. This is a cornerstone of eco-friendly chinese money plant vs nasturtium gardening.
  • They Attract Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds love their nectar-rich flowers, helping to boost the productivity of your entire garden.

Common Problems with Chinese Money Plant vs Nasturtium (and How to Fix Them!)

Every plant has its quirks. Being aware of the common problems with chinese money plant vs nasturtium will help you keep them healthy and happy.

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Pilea Problems: Drooping & Yellow Leaves

If your Pilea looks sad, the cause is almost always related to water or light.

  • Yellowing Lower Leaves & Drooping: This is a classic sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
  • Curling or Domed Leaves: This can be a sign of too much direct light or inconsistent watering. Move it to a spot with gentler light.
  • Brown Spots: Often a sign of sunburn from direct sun exposure.

Nasturtium Nuisances: Aphids & Leggy Growth

Nasturtiums are tough, but they do have a couple of common issues.

  • Aphids: You’ll likely find clusters of tiny black or green aphids on the undersides of leaves and stems. Don’t panic! A strong blast of water from the hose can dislodge them, or you can use a simple insecticidal soap spray.
  • Leggy Growth with Few Flowers: This is almost always caused by too much fertilizer or not enough sun. Remember, they love poor soil and bright light!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Money Plant vs Nasturtium

Can I grow nasturtiums indoors like a Chinese money plant?

You can try, but it’s challenging. Nasturtiums need a huge amount of direct sunlight to thrive and flower—far more than a typical windowsill can provide. You would likely need a powerful grow light to keep them happy indoors.

Why are the leaves on my Chinese money plant curling?

Leaf curling on a Pilea can be caused by a few things. Upward curling (doming) often points to too much light, while downward curling can be a sign of underwatering. Check your light and watering routine to diagnose the issue.

Are Chinese money plants edible like nasturtiums?

Absolutely not. This is a critical distinction. While nasturtiums are a delicious culinary treat, Chinese Money Plants (Pilea peperomioides) are not considered edible and should only be grown for their ornamental value.

Which plant is better for a beginner gardener?

Both are fantastic choices for beginners, just in different settings! For someone new to outdoor gardening, nasturtiums are incredibly easy to grow from seed and very forgiving. For a budding houseplant enthusiast, the Chinese Money Plant is a rewarding and easy-to-care-for option that teaches valuable lessons about light and watering.

Which Round-Leaved Beauty Will You Choose?

So, there you have it! The great chinese money plant vs nasturtium debate is less of a competition and more about finding the right plant for the right place.

If you’re looking for a chic, modern houseplant that’s easy to care for and even easier to share, the Chinese Money Plant is your perfect companion. It will bring a touch of green elegance and good fortune to your indoor space.

If you want a hardworking, multi-purpose plant for your outdoor garden that offers vibrant color, edible treats, and benefits your entire ecosystem, then the cheerful Nasturtium is the undeniable winner.

Whichever path you choose, you’re welcoming a wonderful new green friend into your life. Trust your instincts, consider your space, and get ready to enjoy the unique joy that each of these incredible plants brings. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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