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Artillery Plant

Pilea microphylla

Family: Urticaceae

Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla)

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Difficulty
Easy
Light
Bright, indirect
Water
Evenly moist
Humidity
High
Size
15โ€“25 cm
Closed terrarium
Excellent

The Artillery Plant forms a soft, ferny mound of tiny leaves on succulent stems, giving fine, mossy texture that fills space beautifully between larger terrarium plants.

Light

Bright, indirect light keeps it dense and bushy; it thins and stretches in low light.

Water & humidity

Keep evenly moist. It appreciates humidity and consistent moisture at the roots.

In the terrarium

A fast, fluffy filler for closed terrariums. It knits into a soft green mass, trim it back regularly to keep it in bounds around feature plants.

Tip: Its name comes from the way it 'fires' pollen in puffs, a fun, harmless quirk when it flowers.

Propagation

Stem cuttings root very easily in damp substrate, and the plant also self-seeds freely in humid conditions. Pinch it back regularly to keep the fine, mossy habit dense.

Common problems

  • Leggy, sparse growth = more light and a trim needed.
  • Wilting = it dried out; keep the substrate moist.

Good companions

Artillery Plant pairs well with plants that want the same conditions, a humid, closed terrarium with bright, indirect light. Here are some species that thrive alongside it:

โ†’ Explore more matches with our Plant Pairing Tool.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Artillery Plant good for terrariums?

Yes, its fine texture and love of humidity make it an excellent fast-growing filler for closed terrariums.

Why is it called the Artillery Plant?

Because mature plants eject their pollen in tiny visible puffs, harmless, and rarely seen on young terrarium specimens.

Care information is a general guide; conditions vary. Some links on this site are affiliate links that help support Terrarium Creations.