Pilea cadierei (Vietnamese artillery flower)

Pilea cadierei originally comes from Vietnam and southern China, but has since been introduced to Central and South America and grows there as an invasive species.

This decorative little plant from the nettle family (Urticaceae) is, despite its close relation, completely harmless and an easy-to-care-for, compact houseplant or terrarium plant. The individual stems can reach about 30 cm in height, but with sufficient light they remain much more compact at only about 10 cm.

It can be used well as ground cover in tropical terrariums, but it must be regularly trimmed back, otherwise it can become very overgrown.

The German name "Kanonierblume" (gunner's flower) refers to the fact that the flower heads release their pollen explosively even at the slightest touch. It blooms with small, white flowers that appear densely packed in inflorescences on short stems.

You will receive a plant approximately 8 to 10 cm tall in a 7 cm pot. The leaf markings on these young plants may not yet be as pronounced as shown in the pictures!