Plants That Look Like Chinese Money Plant: 7 Stunning & Easy-Care

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

There’s something undeniably charming about the Chinese Money Plant, isn’t there? With its perfectly round, coin-like leaves perched on delicate stems, Pilea peperomioides has captured the hearts of plant lovers everywhere. It’s a statement of minimalist beauty.

But what if you’re struggling to find one, or perhaps you already love your Pilea and want to explore other plants with a similar aesthetic? You’ve come to the right place. Maybe you’re searching for plants that look like chinese money plant but with slightly different care needs or a unique twist.

I promise this guide will introduce you to a world of stunning alternatives that share that delightful, circular-leaf charm. We’ll explore seven fantastic options, diving deep into how to care for them and help them thrive in your home.

Get ready to discover your next favorite plant, find expert care tips, and learn how to create a beautiful collection of these Pilea lookalikes. Let’s grow together!

Why We Love the Pilea (And Why You Might Want a Lookalike)

The Chinese Money Plant, or Pilea, is more than just a pretty face. Its popularity stems from its unique look, its reputation for bringing good fortune, and its delightful habit of producing “pups” or offshoots that are easy to share with friends. It’s the plant that keeps on giving!

However, that doesn’t mean it’s the only round-leaved beauty for your collection. There are plenty of reasons to seek out an alternative:

  • Variety is the Spice of Life: You might want a similar vibe but with a different texture, color, or growth habit (like a vining plant!).
  • Different Care Needs: Perhaps your home has lower light, or you’re a gardener who sometimes forgets to water. Some alternatives are more forgiving in different conditions.
  • Availability: Sometimes, finding a healthy, full Pilea at your local nursery can be a challenge. Its cousins are often more readily available.
  • Eco-Friendly Choices: Exploring sustainable plants that look like chinese money plant alternatives from local growers can be a wonderful, eco-conscious decision.

Whatever your reason, expanding your plant family is always a good idea. Let’s meet some fantastic candidates.

Our Top 7 Plants That Look Like Chinese Money Plant

Here is our curated list of gorgeous plants that echo the Pilea’s circular charm. This plants that look like chinese money plant guide will walk you through each one, highlighting what makes it special and how to keep it happy.

1. Raindrop Peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya)

If there’s one plant that’s most often mistaken for a Pilea, it’s the Raindrop Peperomia. It has large, glossy, teardrop-shaped leaves that look like plumped-up Pilea leaves. They grow from a central stem, creating a lush, upright appearance.

Why It’s a Great Alternative: It has a sturdier feel than the Pilea and its larger leaves make a bold statement. Plus, it’s generally considered very easy to care for—perfect for beginners!

Care Guide Snapshot:

  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch its lovely leaves.
  • Water: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. It stores water in its leaves, so it’s quite drought-tolerant. Overwatering is its biggest enemy!
  • Soil: A well-draining potting mix is crucial. An orchid mix or a standard potting soil amended with perlite works wonders.

2. Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

While the leaves aren’t perfectly round, their beautiful oval shape and stunning pattern make the Watermelon Peperomia a must-have. Each leaf features silver stripes that look just like the rind of a watermelon, set against a deep green background.

Why It’s a Great Alternative: It offers the Pilea’s compact, bushy shape but with an incredible pop of pattern and color. It’s a true showstopper that doesn’t demand a lot of fuss.

Care Guide Snapshot:

  • Light: Thrives in medium to bright, indirect light. Too little light will cause the patterns to fade.
  • Water: Similar to the Raindrop Peperomia, allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings.
  • Humidity: It appreciates a bit of extra humidity but does just fine in average household conditions.

3. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

For those who love the coin-leaf look but want something that trails, meet the adorable String of Turtles. This delicate vine features tiny, succulent-like leaves with a pattern resembling a turtle’s shell. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or cascading over a shelf.

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Why It’s a Great Alternative: It provides that round-leaf charm in a vining form, adding a different dimension to your plant display. Its intricate pattern is a conversation starter.

Care Guide Snapshot:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light is essential to maintain its vibrant leaf pattern.
  • Water: Be very careful not to overwater. Water when the soil is nearly dry and ensure the pot has excellent drainage.
  • Soil: A light, airy mix, like one for succulents or aroids, is ideal.

4. Silver Dollar Vine (Xerosicyos danguyi)

Hailing from Madagascar, the Silver Dollar Vine is a true succulent beauty. It boasts thick, fleshy, perfectly round leaves that look like silver-green coins climbing up a trellis or trailing from a pot. This is one of the most drought-tolerant eco-friendly plants that look like chinese money plant you can find.

Why It’s a Great Alternative: It’s the perfect choice for a sunny spot where a Pilea might struggle. Its succulent nature makes it incredibly low-maintenance and forgiving if you forget to water.

Care Guide Snapshot:

  • Light: Loves bright light and can handle some direct sun, especially morning sun.
  • Water: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Soil: Requires a fast-draining succulent or cactus mix.

5. Hoya Obovata

The Hoya Obovata is a gem. This vining plant produces thick, waxy, circular or oval-shaped leaves, often with charming silver flecks called “splash.” As it matures, it can produce beautiful clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers.

Why It’s a Great Alternative: It’s an incredibly long-lived and resilient plant that offers both stunning foliage and gorgeous blooms. It’s a fantastic investment for any plant parent.

Care Guide Snapshot:

  • Light: Enjoys bright, indirect light. A little direct morning sun can encourage flowering.
  • Water: Let the soil dry out significantly before watering again. Hoyas do not like “wet feet.”
  • Soil: A chunky, well-aerated mix is key. Orchid bark, perlite, and potting soil make a great combination.

6. Stephania Erecta

For the more adventurous gardener, the Stephania Erecta is a fascinating choice. This plant grows from a caudex (a woody, bulb-like base) and sends up a delicate vine with perfectly circular, umbrella-like leaves. It’s a true living sculpture.

Why It’s a Great Alternative: It’s a unique and minimalist statement piece that offers a completely different growing experience, including a winter dormancy period where the vine dies back.

Care Guide Snapshot:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water sparingly when the topsoil is dry during the growing season. Stop watering when the leaves turn yellow and it enters dormancy.
  • Soil: Needs an extremely well-draining, gritty mix.

7. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Let’s take it outdoors! Nasturtiums are cheerful annuals with round, lily-pad-like leaves and vibrant, edible flowers. They are incredibly easy to grow from seed directly in the garden or in containers.

Why It’s a Great Alternative: It brings the Pilea aesthetic to your outdoor space, balcony, or sunny windowsill. Plus, both the leaves and flowers are edible, adding a peppery kick to salads!

Care Guide Snapshot:

  • Light: Full sun is best for maximum flowering.
  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Soil: They are not picky but prefer well-draining soil. Don’t fertilize too much, or you’ll get more leaves than flowers!

A Comprehensive Care Guide for Your Pilea Lookalikes

While each plant is unique, many of these Pilea alternatives share similar needs. Following these plants that look like chinese money plant best practices will set you up for success and help you develop your green thumb.

Mastering the Light: Bright but Indirect is Key

For most of these indoor plants (excluding the sun-loving Silver Dollar Vine), the sweet spot is bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves.

The Golden Rule of Watering: Less is More

The number one mistake gardeners make is overwatering. Many of these plants, especially the Peperomias and Hoyas, have succulent-like qualities. Always, always check the soil before watering. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger two inches into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.

Choosing the Right Soil: Drainage is Everything

Good drainage is non-negotiable. These plants hate sitting in soggy soil, which leads to root rot. Start with a quality indoor potting mix and amend it with perlite, pumice, or orchid bark to increase aeration and ensure water flows through freely.

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Common Problems with Plants That Look Like Chinese Money Plant (And How to Fix Them!)

Don’t worry—even the most experienced gardeners run into issues! Here’s a quick look at some common problems with plants that look like chinese money plant and their simple solutions.

Yellowing Leaves: The Classic Cry for Help

This is usually a sign of a watering issue. If the leaves are yellow and mushy, you’re likely overwatering. If they’re yellow and crispy, you might be underwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your routine accordingly. It can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, so a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season can help.

Leggy Growth: Reaching for the Light

If your plant is getting long and sparse with lots of space between the leaves, it’s telling you it needs more light. It’s literally stretching to find the sun. Move it to a brighter location, and don’t be afraid to prune it back to encourage bushier growth.

Leaf Drop: A Sign of Stress

Sudden leaf drop can be caused by a number of things: a sudden change in temperature (like a cold draft), a watering issue, or pests. Check your plant’s environment for any recent changes and inspect the leaves and stems closely for any unwanted critters like spider mites or mealybugs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plants That Look Like Chinese Money Plant

Which Pilea lookalike is best for beginners?

The Raindrop Peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya) is a fantastic choice for beginners. It’s very forgiving, especially when it comes to watering, and its sturdy nature makes it quite resilient. The Hoya Obovata is another great, low-maintenance option.

Can I grow these plants outdoors?

Most of the plants on this list are considered houseplants in non-tropical climates. However, Nasturtiums are designed for the outdoors! You can also move many of your indoor plants outside to a shady spot during the summer to give them a boost, but be sure to bring them in before the first frost.

How do I make my plants grow fuller?

Pruning is your best friend! Don’t be shy about snipping off the top few inches of a stem. This encourages the plant to branch out from below the cut, leading to a much bushier and more compact plant over time. Adequate light is also crucial for full, healthy growth.

Are any of these plants toxic to pets?

This is a very important question! The Peperomia family (Raindrop, Watermelon, String of Turtles) and Hoyas are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, plants like Stephania Erecta and Silver Dollar Vine can be toxic if ingested. Always double-check the specific plant on the ASPCA’s website before bringing it into a home with curious pets.

Go Forth and Grow Your Collection!

The Chinese Money Plant is truly a special plant, but it’s just the beginning of a wonderful world of round-leaved beauties. From the bold Raindrop Peperomia to the delicate String of Turtles, there is a perfect Pilea lookalike waiting to join your home.

Remember to consider your home’s conditions and your own gardening style. Finding the right plant for the right place is the secret to success. This plants that look like chinese money plant care guide has given you all the tools you need to get started.

So, which of these charming alternatives has caught your eye? Go ahead, expand your indoor jungle and enjoy the unique personality each one brings. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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