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

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever found yourself admiring a beautiful, round-leafed plant online or in a friend’s home, only to wonder… is that a Chinese Money Plant or a Pennywort? You’re not alone! Their charming, coin-like leaves can be surprisingly tricky to tell apart at first glance.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help you become an expert at telling them apart. As a fellow plant lover, I know how important it is to choose the right green friend for your space.

In this complete chinese money plant vs pennywort guide, I promise to clear up all the confusion. We’ll explore their unique personalities, from their looks to their care needs, so you can confidently decide which one is the perfect fit for your home and gardening style.

We’ll dive deep into their appearance, how they grow, their ideal environments, and even some common problems you might face. By the end, you’ll be able to spot the difference from across the room and feel empowered to help either plant thrive.

At a Glance: Key Differences Between Chinese Money Plant and Pennywort

Before we dig into the details, let’s start with a quick side-by-side comparison. Think of this as the cheat sheet you can come back to anytime. Seeing the core differences laid out makes everything so much clearer!

Here’s the essential breakdown:

  • Growth Habit: The Pilea grows upright on a distinct, trunk-like stem, while Pennywort is a creeping, vine-like plant that creates a lush ground cover.
  • Leaf and Stem Connection: This is the secret giveaway! On a Chinese Money Plant, the leaf stem (petiole) attaches at the edge of the leaf. On a Pennywort, the stem attaches directly to the center of the leaf, like a little green umbrella.
  • Water Needs: They are complete opposites! The Chinese Money Plant prefers its soil to dry out between waterings, while Pennywort loves to stay consistently moist or even wet.
  • Ideal Home: You’ll almost always find the Chinese Money Plant as a classic indoor houseplant in a pot. Pennywort, on the other hand, thrives in terrariums, aquariums, or as a pond-side ground cover.

Let’s Get Acquainted: Meet the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

The Chinese Money Plant, or Pilea peperomioides, is the darling of social media for a reason. Its unique, cheerful appearance and easy-going nature make it a favorite for gardeners of all levels. Let’s get to know it better.

Signature Look: The “Pancake Plant”

Often called the “Pancake Plant” or “UFO Plant,” the Pilea’s charm lies in its structure. It grows a single, woody stem that stands straight up, with large, round, leathery leaves that pop out on long, delicate petioles. This gives it a wonderfully quirky, tree-like silhouette.

The leaves are a vibrant green and have a smooth, slightly waxy texture. As the plant matures and lower leaves naturally fall off, the stem develops a distinctive, textured look. It’s a true statement piece for any bright corner.

The Perfect Indoor Companion: A Simple Care Guide

One of the best benefits of chinese money plant vs pennywort is how forgiving the Pilea can be. It’s a fantastic starter plant! Here are the best practices for its care:

  1. Light: Give it plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect. Too much direct sun can scorch its leaves, while too little light will make it grow leggy and sad.
  2. Water: This is key—let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings. Pilea roots are prone to rot if they sit in soggy soil. A good rule of thumb is to water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
  3. Soil: A standard, high-quality potting mix designed for houseplants is perfect. Make sure your pot has excellent drainage!
  4. Humidity: Average household humidity is usually just fine for a Pilea. No need for a special humidifier unless your home is exceptionally dry.

The Plant That Keeps on Giving: Easy Propagation

One of the most rewarding parts of owning a Pilea is how easily it shares the love! It readily produces “pups” or offshoots from its root system and stem. Once a pup is a few inches tall, you can simply sever its connection to the mother plant with a clean knife, let it root in water for a week or two, and then pot it up. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

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Exploring the World of Pennywort (Hydrocotyle species)

Now, let’s wade into the world of Pennywort. Unlike Pilea, “Pennywort” is a common name for several species in the Hydrocotyle genus. These plants are lush, fast-growing, and absolutely adore water.

A True Water Lover: The Pennywort’s Unique Style

Pennywort is the exact opposite of the upright Pilea. It’s a low-growing, creeping plant that sends out runners to form a dense, green carpet. Its leaves are delicate, often lily-pad-like, and connected to the stem right in the center (this is called a peltate leaf).

Whether it’s Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) in an aquarium or a native variety by a pond, its look is one of wild, untamed greenery. It’s perfect for adding a soft, naturalistic touch to moist environments.

Thriving in a Moist World: How to Care for Pennywort

This chinese money plant vs pennywort care guide would be incomplete without highlighting Pennywort’s love for water. It’s a true aquatic and marginal plant.

  1. Light: Pennywort is adaptable but generally prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. In an aquarium setting, it will grow towards the light source.
  2. Water: Never let it dry out. This plant needs consistently moist to wet soil. It can be grown in bog gardens, at the edge of a pond, in terrariums with high moisture, or even fully submerged in an aquarium.
  3. Soil: If planting in soil, use a rich, moisture-retentive mix. For aquatic setups, it can be rooted in substrate or even left to float.
  4. Humidity: High humidity is a must for Pennywort to truly thrive when grown out of water. This makes it a perfect candidate for closed terrariums.

Spreading the Green: Effortless Propagation

If you thought Pilea was easy to propagate, wait until you meet Pennywort. It’s incredibly simple. Just snip a piece of the runner with a few leaves attached and place it on moist soil or in water. It will root and start growing in no time at all. This is one of the easiest plants to propagate, period.

The Definitive Chinese Money Plant vs Pennywort Showdown

Okay, it’s time for the final face-off. Understanding how to chinese money plant vs pennywort comes down to recognizing their core, unchangeable traits. Let’s put them head-to-head on the most important factors.

Growth Habit: Upright and Stately vs. Low and Sprawling

This is the most obvious visual difference. If the plant is growing upwards on a single, noticeable stem, it’s a Chinese Money Plant. If it’s spreading outwards like a mat or vine, sending out runners and staying low to the ground, you’re looking at Pennywort.

The Leaf Test: The Ultimate Gardener’s Trick

Here’s your pro tip! Look closely at a single leaf. Where does the stem join it? If the stem connects at the edge of the circular leaf, like a lollipop, it’s a Pilea. If the stem connects right in the middle of the leaf, like an umbrella handle, it is 100% a Pennywort. This single test will never fail you.

Choosing Your Environment: Dry Feet vs. Wet Feet

Your watering habits and home environment will be the deciding factor. Do you sometimes forget to water your plants? Choose the drought-tolerant Pilea. Are you a helicopter plant parent who loves to water, or are you setting up a terrarium or aquarium? The moisture-loving Pennywort is your perfect match.

Common Problems with Chinese Money Plant vs Pennywort (And How to Fix Them!)

Even the best gardeners run into trouble sometimes. Here are some common problems with chinese money plant vs pennywort and some easy, actionable tips to solve them.

Chinese Money Plant Woes

  • Yellowing Leaves: This is almost always a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again, and ensure your pot has good drainage.
  • Drooping Leaves: This can mean two opposite things: thirst or shock. Check the soil. If it’s bone dry, give it a good drink. If it’s wet, it could be recovering from repotting or a sudden temperature change.
  • Curling Leaves: Leaf cupping or curling can be caused by too much direct light or low humidity. Try moving it to a spot with less intense sun.

Pennywort Pitfalls

  • Browning, Crispy Edges: The plant is too dry! It needs more water or higher humidity. This is a clear sign it’s not getting the moisture it craves.
  • “Melting” Stems (in aquariums): If you see stems getting mushy, it’s often a sign of poor water quality or a lack of nutrients. Check your water parameters and consider a liquid fertilizer.
  • Leggy Growth: Just like Pilea, Pennywort will stretch out and look sparse if it isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Best Practices

Part of being a great gardener is caring for our planet, too. Incorporating sustainable chinese money plant vs pennywort practices into your routine is easy and rewarding.

Water-Wise Gardening

For your Pilea, try bottom-watering. Place the pot in a saucer of water and let it soak up what it needs for 30 minutes. This reduces water waste and encourages strong root growth. For Pennywort, consider using collected rainwater, which is free of the chemicals found in tap water.

Peat-Free and Organic Soil

When potting your Pilea, look for peat-free potting mixes. Peat harvesting can be damaging to sensitive bog ecosystems. Instead, choose mixes based on sustainable resources like coconut coir, compost, and pine bark.

Natural Pest Control

If you spot pests like aphids or spider mites, skip the harsh chemicals. A simple solution of diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap is an effective and eco-friendly chinese money plant vs pennywort way to manage pests without harming beneficial insects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Money Plant vs Pennywort

Can I grow a Chinese Money Plant in water like a Pennywort?

You can propagate a Pilea cutting in water until it develops roots, but it cannot live in water long-term. Its roots are adapted for soil and will eventually rot if kept submerged, unlike the water-loving Pennywort.

Which plant is easier for a complete beginner?

Both are great, but for different reasons! The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea) is arguably easier for a typical indoor houseplant setting because it tolerates a bit of neglect and doesn’t require high humidity. Pennywort is incredibly easy if—and only if—you can provide it with the constant moisture it needs.

Are either of these plants toxic to pets?

Great news for pet owners! Both the Pilea peperomioides and most common Hydrocotyle species are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, it’s always a good practice to prevent pets from chewing on any houseplant.

What are the benefits of Chinese Money Plant vs Pennywort in home decor?

The Pilea offers a modern, minimalist, and slightly quirky vibe with its architectural structure. It’s a perfect focal point on a shelf or side table. Pennywort provides a lush, soft, and naturalistic feel, ideal for creating a “jungle” look in a bathroom, terrarium, or as a trailing element from a hanging pot in a very humid room.

Which Round-Leafed Beauty is Right for You?

So there you have it! The great debate of chinese money plant vs pennywort is officially settled. They may both have charming, coin-shaped leaves, but they are worlds apart in their personality and needs.

The Chinese Money Plant is your upright, independent friend who thrives as a classic houseplant and asks for little more than a bright spot and a drink when it’s thirsty. The Pennywort is your lush, water-loving companion, perfect for creating a verdant carpet in a terrarium or adding life to an aquarium.

Neither is better than the other—they’re just different. The best plant is the one that fits your lifestyle, your home, and the kind of gardener you are. Now that you’re armed with all this knowledge, you can make the perfect choice. Go forth and grow!

Rimon Chowdhury
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