Creeping Charlie or Pilea nummulariifolia is a vining plant. It features green foliage that possesses plant sunken veins. It can be grown indoors in a hanging basket as an ornamental plant.
It can also be grown outdoors as ground cover due to its creeping growth style. The creeping charlie hanging plant is a tropical species. It belongs to the Urticaceae family and can be found growing in South America and the British Aisles.
The exotic creeping plant is sometimes unwanted in gardens. This is because of its invasive nature as it is often regarded as a weed. But there are cultures that use the exitic Pilea in making tea.
| Botanical Name | Pilea nummulariifolia |
| Common Names | Creeping Charlie, Creeping Jenny, Swedish Ivy |
| Origin | British Aisles, South America |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial, creeping vine plant |
| Full Size | Ranges from 4 inches to 8 inches |
| Sun Exposure | Bright Filtered Sunlight |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, rich loamy soil |
| Toxicity | Not Toxic to people and pets |
Creeping Charlie Care
The Creeping charlie is an easy plant to grow. It has simple lighting, soil, and watering requirements. And it can grow in almost every condition.
Creeping Charlie Light Requirements
When growing the Creeping Charlie indoors. Ensure you provide it with adequate access to bright but filtered sunlight. When exposed to direct or full sunlight, their leaves could end up scorched. Also, too little sunlight could cause stunted leaf growth.
Place the potted plant in a room right next to an east-facing window. A north-facing window is also recommended, but try to avoid south or west-facing windows. If you must place them there, then shift further from the window.
Another great option is to use a light curtain or cloth. This would help to reduce the harsh rays that come with the afternoon sun.
Creeping Charlie Plant Watering Requirements
Frequent watering is needed for healthy growth. But overwatering the plant could lead to soggy soil which would be harmful. It can lead to the build up of fungi which could lead to rot.
Aim for moist soil. To do this, you might need to water once a week. A maximum watering frequency of twice a week is acceptable. If the plant’s leaves turn yellow, then cut back on watering.
Before watering, check the soil and be sure it is a little dry. You can use a moisture meter for this. You can also try feeling the soil with your finger to check its moisture level.
Always use tepid or room temperature water. This is because cold water can stress the Creeping Charlie roots. And ensure it is free from chlorine or uses rainwater. If you don’t have access to rainwater, try using a water filtering system.
Creeping Charlie Soil Requirements
The best soil type to use for the exotic plant is well-draining soil. It should also be rich and a little loose. Loamy soil fits this description and is most recommended when growing outdoors.
Another option should be using a custom-made potting mix. Use regular potting soil, and add peat moss and perlite. Ensure you add organic compost to the mix for healthy growth.
If you can’t make your custom-made mix, consider purchasing one from a store. A regular succulent mix should be okay.
Keep the pH value of the soil between acidic and neutral. An appropriate level would be between 6.5 and 7.2.
Creeping Charlie Temperature and Humidity Requirements
These are tropical plant species that are used to high humidity levels. As such, aim for a humidity range between 40% to 60%.
Try misting the plant often to keep them fresh. If you want a more expensive option, get a humidifier.
Temperature levels should be kept moderate. A range between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit should be good.
Try to keep them away from cold windows or vents. They aren’t frost resistant so they would need protection from excess cold.
Creeping Charlie Fertilizer Requirements
You won’t need fertilizer if you added compost to the potting mix. But if you didn’t, fertilizer should be added during the plant’s growing season.
Make sure it is a liquid-soluble fertilizer. Ensure it is diluted to half of its initial strength before use. This is because the concentrated salt build up is harmful to the plant’s foliage.
Propagating Creeping Charlie
Propagation of an indoor creeping charlie can be done through two main methods;
- Root Division
- Stem Cuttings
When propagating through stem cuttings, ensure you sterilize the tools. Also, be careful so you don’t harm the plant.
Common Health Problems of Creeping Charlie Plant
- Root rot
- Spider mites
- Yellow leaves
- Mealybugs
- Whiteflies
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Creepy Charlie plant is known to die in the winter. But being a perennial, it does revive in the summer.
The flowers produced by the Creeping charlie are purple in color.
Yes, The creeping Charlie is the same as ground ivy.
No, Although they do share similarities. They are two separate plants.
This is most times caused by a fungal infection. An example would be root rot.
