Pileas have become extremely popular houseplants. All over design sites and social media, these unique plants are a very trendy option for people who love indoor gardening. But what about those of us who want to have Pilea Peperomioides outside? Can they survive?
In certain conditions, Pileas can grow outside. They are tropical plants that are hardy yearound between USDA zones 10 and 12. If you live in zones 1 through 9, you could set your Pilea outside for some extra sunshine as long as it will not be exposed to temperatures below 50° F.
Many people like to give their Pileas light and fresh air when the outside temperatures are warm, bringing them back inside when it cools off. There are several benefits to letting your houseplant live outdoors for a bit, but you must make sure to have them in the proper lighting conditions.
What About Where You Live?
Pileas are native to the Yunnan province in Southern China, which is along the same latitude as much of Saudi Arabia and Mexico. They like warm temperatures and will not survive through the colder months in many areas. While few locations are optimal environments for Pileas to be outdoors all year long, it is possible to have a pot outdoors in the summer and move it indoors during the fall and winter.
Pilea Peperomioides, or Chinese Money Plant, does best in daytime temperatures between 70° – 80° F and nighttime temperatures that are only 10° cooler. They are hardy between USDA zones 10 and 12.
If you live in the contiguous United States, unless you are in the southernmost parts of Texas or Florida, it is unlikely that you will be able to have a Pilea outdoors year round.
However, in many areas, Pileas will do well in a pot outside for a few months of the year. Pileas do not tolerate temperatures below 50° F. If you would like to bring your Pilea outside in the warm months, be sure the temperature will stay at the proper level or else consider bringing it back inside in the evening.
If you are curious about whether you’re in the correct zone for year round, outdoor Pileas, use this chart below to determine your zone.
This chart is based on average minimum temperature in the winter. If you live in a location where it almost never gets below 8°F like me, you are in zone 7.
Remember Pileas can only grow outdoors in zones 10 and up,
Fahrenheit | Celcius | |
Zone 1 | -60° to -50° | -51.1° to -45.6° |
Zone 2 | -50° to -40° | -45.6° to -40° |
Zone 3 | -40° to -30° | -40° to -34.4° |
Zone 4 | -30° to -20° | -34.4° to -28.9° |
Zone 5 | -20° to -10° | -28.9° to -23.3° |
Zone 6 | -10° to 0° | -23.3° to -17.8° |
Zone 7 | 0° to 10° | -17.8° to -12.2° |
Zone 8 | 10° to 20° | -12.2° to -6.7° |
Zone 9 | 20° to 30° | -6.7° to -1.1° |
Zone 10 | 30° to 40° | -1.1° to 4.4° |
Zone 11 | 40° to 50° | 4.4° to 10° |
Zone 12 | 50° + | 10° + |
Why Your Pilea Might Need Some Outdoor Time This Summer
Most likely, you do not live in an area where your Pilea Peperomiodoes will thrive outdoors all year long. But should you still give your plant some time outside throughout the year?
I am a proponent for setting my Pileas and other houseplants outside for some extra sun and fresh air for part of the warm months each year. Pileas do well inside, near a sunny window, but a little extra light could potentially do it some good. The photo below is the shelf I had my husband build under our covered patio just for this purpose!
If you are noticing your plant becoming “leggy” (very long stems with few leaves), it is possible that your Pilea could use a little extra indirect sunshine. The most common help for a leggy Pilea is more light, but you must be careful to not place your plant in direct sunlight. For more information on fixing your leggy Pilea, click here.
If your plant’s leaves are on the small side, more light could be a good boost as well. Often times more indirect light will result in larger, flatter Pilea leaves.
Lastly, if you are noticing domed or curved leaves, it could be a sign that your Pilea is getting insufficient light. Leaves that curl inward are often a sign that the plant is trying to maximize the area of their leaves that are exposed to the sun.
Where to Place an Outdoor Pilea
Pileas do not like direct sunlight, but they do like bright, indirect light. They would do well in covered outdoor areas that are bright, but where the sun will never directly beat down on their leaves. An ideal spot would be under a covered patio or porch.
If you live in zones 10 – 12 and you want to plant a Pilea directly into the ground, be sure to plant your little guy in an area that falls between dappled morning sunshine and full shade.
How Much Outdoor Light is Too Much Light?
Pileas love light, but they usually cannot tolerate direct light hitting their leaves. With direct sunlight, your Pilea may begin to develop a slight discoloration. To begin with, it will turn a lighter shade of green. Eventually, leaves may begin to show small burn spots, a similar equivalent to a human sunburn.
If you believe your Pilea may be sunburned, pull it back to an area without any direct sunlight. You will notice that the lighter spots begin to darken with time.
Ease Your Pilea Into the Transition
Most houseplants are sensitive to drastic changes in environment, and Pileas are no exception. If you are considering giving your Pilea a little outdoor time this year, be sure to ease into the transition.
I believe the best way to let your Pilea slowly adapt to the change in temperature is to start by setting the plant outdoors in the morning and bringing it back inside before the hottest part of the day. Gradually, you can leave the plant outside for longer periods of time, being careful not to shock it.
You Love the Summer, So Does Your Pilea
Pileas love bright sunny days and will thrive with some exposure to the outdoors when the temperature is right and the light is not direct. If your Pilea is starting to look a little sad, consider moving it outside for some fresh air and sunshine.