Care Information for an Artillery Plant

The artillery plant is a tropical ground cover with fernlike, lime-green leaves that is often grown as a houseplant. Botanically known as Pilea microphylla, artillery plant gets its common name from its abrupt ejection of pollen from its flowers, according to the University of Florida Extension.

Climate

Artillery plant is a South American native that can only be grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 through 11. It does well indoors.

Lighting and Temperature

Provide indoor artillery plants with bright light from an east- or west-facing window and temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep plants away from heating and air-conditioning ducts. Grow artillery plant outdoors in shade to partial sun.

Soil Requirements

Artillery plants grown outdoors do well in a variety of soils, from clay to loam. Indoor plants require a rich, well-draining potting soil.

Watering and Fertilizing

Keep artillery plant evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the soil surface is dry. Feed plants weekly in spring and summer and monthly in fall and winter with a well-balanced, water-soluble plant food.

Pruning

Pinch back new growth tips monthly to keep the artillery plant bushy.

References

• "The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual": Barbara Pleasant, 2005
• Colorado State University Extension: Aluminum & Artillery Plants
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Pilea microphylla Artillery Plant
• U.S. National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Resources

• Plants of Hawaii: Pilea microphylla (Artillery Plant)